Deprive

To Deprive someone or something is to take away something from them, usually something that is considered necessary, beneficial, or a right. It implies a forceful or deliberate withholding of something, causing a loss or disadvantage. This loss can be physical, emotional, or abstract, relating to resources, opportunities, freedoms, or even basic necessities. The action frequently evokes a sense of injustice or hardship, underscoring the importance of what is withheld. It can range from minor inconveniences to severe consequences, often highlighting the power dynamics between the giver and the receiver.

Deprive meaning with examples

• The harsh winter weather deprived the town of its usual sunshine, casting a pall over daily life and impacting residents' moods. Businesses suffered as customers were deprived of the pleasant experience of window shopping, leading to slow sales and revenue losses for many small businesses that depend on such exposure for survival.
• Growing up in poverty deprived many children of adequate nutrition, causing long-term health problems and affecting their cognitive development and their performance at school. This scarcity also deprived them of recreational opportunities, which they might have needed to develop social and other emotional skills. The situation leads to inter-generational poverty and a lack of social mobility.
• The strict teacher deprived the students of their recess time due to poor behavior in class, which resulted in the students expressing their frustration. They had to stay inside and missed out on the chance to socialize and to get much-needed physical activity, leading to diminished attention span and decreased enthusiasm for schoolwork.
• The government's new regulations deprived small business owners of their right to operate independently, as they were subjected to crippling fees and cumbersome paperwork. Many businesses were unable to comply and the owners were deprived of their livelihoods and a measure of self-determination, while also reducing their business revenue.
• After the incident, the prison authorities deprived the inmate of his visitation rights as punishment for his misconduct, isolating him from his family and causing considerable emotional distress. This loss of connection with the outside world, especially loved ones, often becomes an aggravating factor and may lead to changes in behaviour.