bereave
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be·reave

transitive verb \bi-ˈrēv, bē-\
be·reaved or be·reft\-ˈreft\ be·reav·ing

Definition of BEREAVE

1
: to deprive of something —usually used with of <madam, you have bereft me of all words — Shakespeare>
2
: to take away (a valued or necessary possession) especially by force

Examples of BEREAVE

  1. <news of a death in the family bereaved them of the unmitigated joy that normally prevails at a wedding>

Origin of BEREAVE

Middle English bereven, from Old English berēafian, from be- + rēafian to rob — more at reave
First Known Use: before 12th century

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: to overwhelm with shock,
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