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

This time, it looks like an Orange County work crew teamed up with a warming planet to deprive a metropolitan area of its best access to nature.

From Los Angeles Times

And in February 2024 a report published by an independent UN commission said the October 2023 attacks on electricity infrastructure could amount to war crimes because they deprived civilians of access to water.

From BBC

Barnett is fearful that Trump’s plans for Social Security will deprive him of the little money he has left to survive.

From Salon

Discovery filed a lawsuit claiming the company was deprived of its contractual rights to match Amazon’s offer, which will put regular season games, the NBA Cup and playoff games on its Prime Video streaming service.

From Los Angeles Times

Carrillo pleaded guilty in July to depriving a person’s rights under the color of law, a misdemeanor, as part of a plea deal with prosecutors.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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