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 lawsuit claims deprivation of liberty interest and bodily integrity, wrongful death, battery and assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, gross negligence and loss of consortium. Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 Garrone tilts the story gradually toward inconvenience, discomfort, and deprivation, then sends it free-falling, with stomach-lurching intensity, into extremity and despair. Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2024 Yet, despite the death, destruction and deprivations, a majority of Ukrainians remain optimistic about the future, and even describe themselves as happy, according to independent polls. Carlotta Gall Lynsey Addario, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2024 Material deprivation is an especially stupid sort of smallness. Elizabeth Barber, Harper's Magazine, 8 Feb. 2024 For listeners too young to recall the galvanizing protest songs championed by Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs and Joan Baez in the early ‘60s, her timely songs decrying social and racial injustice and economic deprivation have struck a loudly resounding chord. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2024 Kenneth Eugene Smith, 58, was pronounced dead at 8:25 p.m. Thursday at an Alabama prison after breathing the gas through a face mask to cause oxygen deprivation. Kim Chandler, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2024 Under state law, animal cruelty encompasses torture, needless killing, causing serious physical harm, or deprivation of adequate food, water and shelter, negligently or otherwise. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 23 Jan. 2024 Seeking support from a mental health professional can also provide personalized guidance and support in navigating touch deprivation and its associated challenges. Mark Travers, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024

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 18 Mar. 2024.

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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