bereft

[ bih-reft ]

verb

1. a simple past tense and past participle of bereave.

adjective

1. deprived:

   They are bereft of their senses. He is bereft of all happiness.

bereft

/ bɪˈrɛft /

adjective

1. usually foll by of deprived; parted (from)

   bereft of hope

Word History and Origins

Origin of bereft¹

First recorded in 1525–35; be- + reft

Example Sentences

This sounds like sugar's keeping us fed, but added sugars are actually empty calories – they are bereft of any nutrients like vitamins or fibers.

From Salon

When Sajid arrived to drive home Pakistan’s position, England were bereft of answers.

From BBC

President Ramaphosa extended his “deep condolences”, adding that Pastor Ray's death "leaves our deeply spiritual nation bereft of a remarkable leader".

From BBC

When Pat dies suddenly, a bereft Angie finds herself in a situation that puts her at odds with Shing’s family, whose handling of their grief begins to look a lot like callous discrimination.

From Los Angeles Times

I was at Union Station when I encountered an elderly woman who looked a little bereft and in need of cheering up.

From Los Angeles Times