The state of being deprived of a loved one through death. The period of mourning and grief following such a loss.
From Middle English 'bereaven', meaning 'to rob, take away by force', from Old English 'bereafian'. The 'be-' prefix intensifies 'reave' (to rob). Originally meant any forceful taking away, but narrowed to specifically mean loss through death by the 16th century.
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