deprivation

noun

dep·​ri·​va·​tion ˌde-prə-ˈvā-shən 

also

ˌdē-ˌprī- 

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

Synonyms

• loss
• privation

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

Doughty was sentenced to two years probation after pleading guilty to deprivation of rights under color of law. —Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2025

Earlier this year, a jury found Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Trevor Kirk guilty of felony deprivation of rights by use of excessive force. —Mike Fox, Oc Register, 12 May 2025

The case was investigated by the FBI, and in April, Kirk was convicted of one felony count of deprivation of rights under color of law. —Anita Chabria, Mercury News, 9 May 2025

In the 2024 federal trial Haley was convicted of deliberate indifference resulting serious bodily injury and deprivation of civil rights, and could face a life sentence in prison. —James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

see deprive

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing deprivation

• androgen deprivation therapy
• self-deprivation

Rhymes for deprivation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Medical Definition

deprivation

noun

de·​pri·​va·​tion ˌdep-rə-ˈvā-shən  ˌdē-ˌprī- 

: 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 deprivation

—Jack Fincher

sleep deprivation