deprive

[dih-prahyv]

verb (used with object)

deprived, depriving 

1. to remove or withhold something from the enjoyment or possession of (a person or persons).

   to deprive a man of life; to deprive a baby of candy.

2. to remove from ecclesiastical office.

deprive

/ dɪˈpraɪv /

verb

1. (foll by of) to prevent from possessing or enjoying; dispossess (of)

2. archaic,  to remove from rank or office; depose; demote

Other Word Forms

• depriver noun
• deprival noun
• deprivable adjective
• deprivative adjective
• nondeprivable adjective
• predeprive verb (used with object)
• self-depriving adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deprive¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English depriven, from Anglo-French, Old French depriver, from Medieval Latin dēprīvāre, equivalent to Latin dē- de- + prīvāre “to deprive” ( prīv(us) private + -āre infinitive suffix)

Word History and Origins

Origin of deprive¹

C14: from Old French depriver, from Medieval Latin dēprīvāre, from Latin _de- + prīvāre to deprive of, rob; see _private

Synonym Study

See strip ¹.

Example Sentences

The link between drug misuse and deprivation remains stark, with just under half of patients with a drug-related hospital stay living in the most deprived parts of the country.

From BBC

By 2023, people in the most deprived parts of Scotland were more than 15 times more likely to die from drug misuse than those in the richest areas.

From BBC

The ratings decline in network prime time has dragged late night down with it, depriving the suited hosts of their once powerful lead-ins.

From Los Angeles Times

Labour says its plan will redistribute grants to focus on the most deprived areas as well.

From BBC

"Such a step would deprive more than one million people of their right to medical treatment and expose the lives of residents, patients, and the wounded to imminent danger," it warned.

From BBC

Related Words

• bankrupt 
• bereave 
• dispossess 
• divest 
• rob 
• strip