Main Entry: be·reave

Pronunciation: \bi-ˈrēv, bē-\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): be·reaved or be·reft \-ˈreft\; be·reav·ing

Etymology: Middle English bereven, from Old English berēafian, from be- + rēafian to rob — more at reave

Date: before 12th century

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