deprive

verb

USdi-PRYV/dɪˈpɹaɪv/

Formsdeprives, depriving, deprived

3 meanings of deprive

1
verbtransitive
To take something away from someone and not let them have it.
Like taking away someone's toy and refusing to give it back.
The new rules deprive students of their free time after lunch.
Locking the only exit deprived him of any chance to escape.
Similarbereave, shear
Oppositeprovide, supply, grant, endow
Note
2
verbtransitive
To take away someone's loved one, usually through death.
Like a storm that suddenly takes away something precious and never returns it.
A sudden illness can deprive a family of the person they love most.
The accident deprived her of her closest companion.
Similarrob, bereave
3
verbtransitive
To remove a priest or minister from their official position in the church.
Like firing someone from their job, but the job is in a church.
A bishop can deprive a priest who breaks church law.
The council deprived the minister after the scandal.
Similardefrock, unfrock, depose, remove, oust
Oppositeinstall, appoint, ordain
Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin, made of dē- plus prīvō. It reached English through Old French depriver.