Deprive

/dɪˈpraɪv/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to take something away from someone or something; to prevent someone from having or using something.

The harsh winter weather deprived the village of essential supplies.

to withhold something from someone, often causing harm or distress.

They were deprived of their rights during the conflict.

to remove or take away a necessary or desired possession.

He felt deprived of his childhood after moving to a new city.

to take away the happiness or comfort that someone is accustomed to.

The job's demands deprived her of time to spend with her family.

Middle English: from Old French 'depriver', from Latin 'deprivare', from 'de-' (down from) + 'privare' (to rob).

deprive of sleep

To keep someone from being able to sleep.

deprived childhood

A childhood lacking in basic needs or experiences.

deprivation

The state of being deprived of something.

deprived

Having been deprived of basic necessities or rights.

Get the axe

If you don't perform well, you might get the axe and be deprived of your job.

Left high and dry

After the business closed, I was left high and dry, deprived of a paycheck.