bereavement

American  

[bih-reev-muhnt] / bɪˈriv mənt /

noun

1. a period of mourning after a loss, especially after the death of a loved one.

   The widow had many visitors during her bereavement.

2. a state of intense grief, as after the loss of a loved one; desolation.

   Not all therapists are equipped to treat clients suffering with such debilitating bereavement.

3. deprivation or loss by force (usually followed byof ).

   The bereavement of our community began with the closing of the mill.

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bereavement British  

/ bɪˈriːvmənt /

noun

1. the condition of having been deprived of something or someone valued, esp through death

2. a death

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Usage

What does bereavement mean? Bereavement is a period of mourning or or state of intense grief, especially following the death of a loved one. Bereavement is often a process that includes going through several stages of grief. Bereavement can also be used more generally to mean the state of having lost something very dear. Example: While on bereavement leave from work, Jenn coped with her loss by spending time in nature and talking to a therapist.

Etymology

Origin of bereavement

First recorded in 1725–1735; bereave + -ment

Explanation

If you have ever mourned someone's passing, you know about bereavement — the period of sorrow that follows the death of a loved one. Bereavement comes from an Old English word that means “rob,” “deprive,” and “seize.” When a loved one is taken, usually through death, those who remain are often left in a state of bereavement. Bereavement is not only reserved for the death of a human family member or friend, but the loss of a pet can also induce bereavement.

Example Sentences

He said he had heard experiences of bereavement, avoidable loss, harm and disability suffered by women, as well as the experiences of fathers and partners.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

The Dodgers’ Miguel Rojas won’t take bereavement leave or travel back to his native Venezuela following the sudden death of his father, Miguel Rojas Sr., manager Dave Roberts said before the game.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

"At Autism BrainNet, our goals are to facilitate the highest quality autism research, provide accurate information about brain donation to individuals and families, and increase comfort with planning for donation before a time of bereavement."

From Science Daily • Apr. 8, 2026

When DI Glyn Walsh returns unexpectedly early from bereavement leave, he and DS Sion Dearden work together to solve the perplexing murder of an esteemed university professor.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

It felt to her like a bereavement, that she could not vote.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Related Words

• sorrow