deprivation

noun

dep·​ri·​va·​tion ˌde-prə-ˈvā-shən 

also

ˌdē-ˌprī- 

1

: the state of being kept from possessing, enjoying, or using something : the state of being deprived : privation

especially : removal from an office, dignity, or benefice

2

: an act or instance of withholding or taking something away from someone or something : an act or instance of depriving : loss

overcoming the deprivations of their childhoods

the hazards of oxygen deprivation

Synonyms

• loss
• privation

Examples of deprivation in a Sentence

She is studying the effects of sleep deprivation.

She eventually overcame the deprivations of her childhood.

Recent Examples on the Web

Like mice, people who are naturally short sleepers seem to be immune to the ill effects of sleep deprivation. —Marla Broadfoot, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Dec. 2024

Any sleep deprivation can also soon put a different lens on your cruise experience. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

Chronic sleep deprivation can lower our ability to cope with stress, making even small challenges feel overwhelming. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 17 Dec. 2024

The Healer Imagine waking up in a sensory deprivation tank and calmly trying to break out, piece by piece, before the air runs out. —Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see deprive

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing deprivation

• androgen deprivation therapy
• self-deprivation

Medical Definition

deprivation

noun

de·​pri·​va·​tion ˌdep-rə-ˈvā-shən  ˌdē-ˌprī- 

: the act or process of removing or the condition resulting from removal of something normally present and usually essential for mental or physical well-being

his nervous system may have been affected by early oxygen deprivation

—Jack Fincher

sleep deprivation