deprivation

noun

dep·​ri·​va·​tion ˌde-prə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce deprivation (audio)
also
ˌdē-ˌprī- How to pronounce deprivation (audio)
1
: the state of being kept from possessing, enjoying, or using something : the state of being deprived : privation
especially : removal from an office, dignity, or benefice
2
: an act or instance of withholding or taking something away from someone or something : an act or instance of depriving : loss
overcoming the deprivations of their childhoods
the hazards of oxygen deprivation

Examples of deprivation in a Sentence

She is studying the effects of sleep deprivation. She eventually overcame the deprivations of her childhood.
Recent Examples on the Web The four-count indictment charges them with deprivation of rights under the color of law through excessive force and failure to intervene, and through deliberate indifference; conspiracy to witness tampering; and obstruction of justice through witness tampering. Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 13 Sep. 2023 The four-count indictment charges each of them with deprivation of rights under the color of law through excessive force and failure to intervene, and through deliberate indifference; conspiracy to witness tampering, and obstruction of justice through witness tampering. CBS News, 12 Sep. 2023 Huxley was indicted in October on a count of deprivation of rights under color of law, which is a civil rights violation. Phil Helsel, NBC News, 9 Sep. 2023 According to the researchers Black individuals living in urban communities may be impacted more by socioeconomic deprivation — which includes level of education, housing, income, and access to healthful food — and health inequalities than Black people living in rural areas. Deborah Balthazar, STAT, 8 Sep. 2023 Sleep deprivation can have a wide range of health effects, spanning from diminished focus to heart attacks. Jackie Appel, Popular Mechanics, 21 Aug. 2023 Amid the carnage and deprivation, tens of thousands of desperate migrants from Ethiopia, displaced and endangered by civil conflict in their own country, have made the perilous journey to Yemen in hopes of crossing into Saudi Arabia. Karen Deyoung, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2023 Public standards have been demolished, and that deprivation has permeated the unformed morality of the young generation. Armond White, National Review, 30 Aug. 2023 He is charged with destruction, alteration and falsification of records in federal investigations, obstruction of official proceedings and deprivation of rights under color of law. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 19 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deprivation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see deprive

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deprivation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near deprivation

Cite this Entry

“Deprivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deprivation. Accessed 28 Sep. 2023.

Medical Definition

deprivation

noun
de·​pri·​va·​tion ˌdep-rə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce deprivation (audio) ˌdē-ˌprī- How to pronounce deprivation (audio)
: the act or process of removing or the condition resulting from removal of something normally present and usually essential for mental or physical well-being
his nervous system may have been affected by early oxygen deprivationJack Fincher
sleep deprivation

More from Merriam-Webster on deprivation

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