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

Instead of Brutalism and sensory deprivation, the architecture provides sustenance and enrichment, both spiritual and intellectual. —Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 5 Dec. 2024

Hip-hop is the rose that grew from the concrete of poverty and deprivation in the inner city. —Marcus Thompson Ii, The Athletic, 22 Nov. 2024

The suit asserted claims of defamation, deprivation of rights and intentional infliction of emotional distress. —Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024

Reframe The Idea Of Minimalism People often mistakenly think of minimalism as deprivation, and Gill wants people to rethink that idea. —Janine MacLachlan, Forbes, 7 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