bereave
Translation
to deprive of a loved one through death
Examples
The accident bereaved him of his wife and child.
The accident bereaved him of his wife and child.
He was recently bereaved.
He was recently bereaved.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) ((of sb./sth.)) to deprive (sb.) of (a loved one) The accident bereaved him of his wife.
((passive)) to be bereaved to have a close relation or friend die He was recently bereaved.
Similar Words
Synonyms: deprive, strip, dispossess
Etymology
From Old English 'bereafian', meaning 'to deprive of, take away'. 'be-' (intensive) + 'reave' (to plunder, rob).
Memory Tips
Think 'be leave' – death causes a loved one to 'be leaving' you forever.