deprive
verb (used with object)
to remove or withhold something from the enjoyment or possession of (a person or persons).
were depriving
-
past progressiveof deprive.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Jesuits started missions among the Raramuri in the 1600s but were expelled from all Spanish territories in 1767, in part because colonists complained the missions were depriving them of Indigenous labor.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 23, 2022
Personally, I would feel terrible if my parents were depriving themselves of meaningful experiences traveling and doing other things in retirement just to pad my inheritance account.
From Slate ● Oct. 6, 2021
As a witness at City Council hearings, he mocked complaints by landlords and property owners associations that rental regulations were depriving them of honest profits.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 12, 2020
By Monday, they had carved containment lines around 18 percent of the fire's perimeter and were depriving advancing flames of fresh fuel by clearing smaller trees and brush that has yet to burn.
From Reuters ● Jun. 5, 2012
I felt that my countrymen were depriving themselves of an essential grace of character.
From Talks To Teachers On Psychology; And To Students On Some Of Life's Ideals by William James
