deprive

[ dih-prahyv ]

verb (used with object)

, de·prived, de·priv·ing.

1. to remove or withhold something from the enjoyment or possession of (a person or persons):

   to deprive a man of life; to deprive a baby of candy.

2. to remove from ecclesiastical office.

deprive

/ dɪˈpraɪv /

verb

1. foll by of to prevent from possessing or enjoying; dispossess (of)
2. archaic.
   to remove from rank or office; depose; demote

Derived Forms

• deˈpriver, noun
• deˈprival, noun
• deˈprivable, adjective

Other Words From

• de·priva·ble adjective
• de·prival noun
• de·priv·a·tive [dih-, priv, -, uh, -tiv], adjective
• de·priver noun
• nonde·priva·ble adjective
• prede·prive verb (used with object) predeprived predepriving
• self-de·priving adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deprive¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English depriven, from Anglo-French, Old French depriver, from Medieval Latin dēprīvāre, equivalent to Latin dē- de- + prīvāre “to deprive” ( prīv(us) private + -āre infinitive suffix)

Word History and Origins

Origin of deprive¹

C14: from Old French depriver, from Medieval Latin dēprīvāre, from Latin de- + prīvāre to deprive of, rob; see private

Synonym Study

See strip ¹.

Example Sentences

"I think the prosecution's wish is to deprive the French people of the ability to vote for whom they want," she said after the hearing in the French capital, where she is on trial with 24 other defendants.

From BBC

A drive to expel every undocumented immigrant would deprive California of more than 7% of its workforce, potentially cripple agriculture and construction, divide families and disrupt communities.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite Richardson’s erratic behavior, sheriff’s deputies at the station had “no legal justification to deprive her of her freedom,” according to the report.

From Los Angeles Times

They argued that the government was responsible for leaking the video to CNN, and that it has "led to damaging, highly prejudicial pretrial publicity that can only taint the jury pool and deprive Mr Combs of his right to a fair trial".

From BBC

In response, Maine, dominated by Democrats, contemplated a retaliatory move to deprive Republicans of their chance to win one of Maine’s congressional districts.

From Slate

Related Words

• bankrupt
• bereave
• dispossess
• divest
• rob
• strip