What does "deprive" mean?
Used with “of”, to take something away from (someone) and keep it away; to deny someone something.
Deprive
/dɪˈpɹaɪv/ verb
verb ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Used with “of”, to take something away from (someone) and keep it away; to deny someone something.
- Grammar: deprive is listed as verb.
- Nearest alternatives: impoverish, strip, abridge, abstain.
- Useful contrasts: capacitating lesson, certain benefit, empowered.
- Usage evidence: This law will deprive us of our basic rights.
How to use "deprive"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "deprive" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "deprive" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "deprive" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "deprive" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "deprive" is acting as verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "impoverish" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "deprive", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 Used with “of”, to take something away from (someone) and keep it away; to deny someone something. transitive
""By means of the Golden Cap I shall command the Winged Monkeys to carry you to the gates of the Emerald City," said Glinda, "for it would be a shame to deprive the people of so wonderful a ruler.""
- 2 become poorer wordnet
- 3 To degrade (a clergyman) from office. transitive
- 4 keep from having, keeping, or obtaining wordnet
- 5 To bereave. transitive
Show 1 more definition
- 6 take away possessions from someone wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"This law will deprive us of our basic rights."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "deprive"?
Common synonyms include: impoverish, strip, abridge, abstain, bankrupt, bare.
How do you use "deprive" in a sentence?
This law will deprive us of our basic rights.
How do you pronounce "deprive"?
Pronounced /dɪˈpɹaɪv/.
Etymology
From Middle English depryven, from Old French depriver, from Medieval Latin dēprīvō, from Latin dē- + prīvō.