bereavement

American  

[bih-reev-muhnt] / bɪˈriv mənt /

noun

1. a period of mourning after a loss, especially after the death of a loved one.

   The widow had many visitors during her bereavement.

2. a state of intense grief, as after the loss of a loved one; desolation.

   Not all therapists are equipped to treat clients suffering with such debilitating bereavement.

3. deprivation or loss by force (usually followed byof ).

   The bereavement of our community began with the closing of the mill.

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bereavement British  

/ bɪˈriːvmənt /

noun

1. the condition of having been deprived of something or someone valued, esp through death

2. a death

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Usage

What does bereavement mean? Bereavement is a period of mourning or or state of intense grief, especially following the death of a loved one. Bereavement is often a process that includes going through several stages of grief. Bereavement can also be used more generally to mean the state of having lost something very dear. Example: While on bereavement leave from work, Jenn coped with her loss by spending time in nature and talking to a therapist.

Etymology

Origin of bereavement

First recorded in 1725–1735; bereave + -ment

Explanation

If you have ever mourned someone's passing, you know about bereavement — the period of sorrow that follows the death of a loved one. Bereavement comes from an Old English word that means “rob,” “deprive,” and “seize.” When a loved one is taken, usually through death, those who remain are often left in a state of bereavement. Bereavement is not only reserved for the death of a human family member or friend, but the loss of a pet can also induce bereavement.

Example Sentences

The estates of some 34,000 deceased people were affected, with the bereavement claims totalling £367m.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

"It's a slow bereavement," says Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Professor Nicholas Tonks, whose mother lived with Alzheimer's.

From Science Daily • Apr. 30, 2026

Around the same time, we suffered a bereavement in the family, and I believe the combination of grief and professional strain took a significant toll on her well-being.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 25, 2026

Streeting met families who had experienced bereavement and harm, and agreed the inquiry would begin as soon as possible.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Such bereavement, witnessed at close range, makes even the most eloquent apologia for high-risk activities ring fatuous and hollow.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer

Related Words

• sorrow