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bereavement

/bəˈrivmɪnt/
/bəˈrivmənt/
IPA guide

Other forms: bereavements

If you have ever mourned someone's passing, you know about bereavement — the period of sorrow that follows the death of a loved one.

Bereavement comes from an Old English word that means “rob,” “deprive,” and “seize.” When a loved one is taken, usually through death, those who remain are often left in a state of bereavement. Bereavement is not only reserved for the death of a human family member or friend, but the loss of a pet can also induce bereavement.

Definitions of bereavement
  1. noun
    state of sorrow over the death or departure of a loved one
    synonyms: mourning
    see moresee less
    type of:
    sadness, sorrow, sorrowfulness
    the state of being sad
Pronunciation
US
/bəˈrivmɪnt/
UK
/bəˈrivmənt/
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