devoid

[ dih-void ]

adjective

1. not possessing, untouched by, void, or destitute (usually followed by of ).

   Synonyms: barren, bereft, destitute, wanting, lacking

verb (used with object)

1. to deplete or strip of some quality or substance:

   imprisonment that devoids a person of humanity.

devoid

/ dɪˈvɔɪd /

adjective

1. postpositivefoll byof destitute or void (of); free (from)

Word History and Origins

Origin of devoid¹

1350–1400; Middle English, originally past participle < Anglo-French, for Old French desvuidier to empty out, equivalent to des- dis- ¹ + vuidier to empty, void

Word History and Origins

Origin of devoid¹

C15: originally past participle of devoid ( vb ) to remove, from Old French devoidier, from de- de- + voider to void

Example Sentences

It’s far less than it was before the election, and devoid of almost any cable TV news.

From Salon

In a performance devoid of any positive energy, Pegula struggled to cope with the Czech's huge serves, including 11 aces, and hit just four winners in a match lasting little more than an hour.

From BBC

The race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump can, at times, feel oddly devoid of substance, with Harris’ policy goals being widely ignored and Trump’s reduced to a fading Etch-A-Sketch scribble of fringe right-wing fever dreams.

From Slate

“I don’t know if you’ve been walking around here,” he said, gesturing to the sleepy streets between downtown and Lake Merritt, where many businesses have closed or appeared devoid of customers on what should have been a bustling weekday afternoon.

From Los Angeles Times

Defence lawyers responded that Whitla was impaired by a low IQ and claimed the challenge was devoid of merit.

From BBC

Related Words

• bare
• barren
• lacking
• vacant