Deprived of or lacking something, especially a non-material asset; feeling lonely and abandoned.
Past participle of Middle English 'bereave,' from Old English 'bereafian' meaning 'to deprive by force.' Related to 'rob' and 'reave' (archaic for steal). Originally meant violently stripped of possessions.
Think 'be-REFT' — like something was ripped (reft) away from you! It's stronger than just 'lacking' — bereft implies something precious was torn away, leaving you feeling empty and desolate. Often used with 'of.'
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