Not having something, or lacking it. It can also mean outside a place or situation, especially in older or more formal English.
From Old English 'wiþūtan', combining 'wiþ' (by) and 'ūtan' (outside). It originally meant 'on the outside.'
We mostly use 'without' to talk about lacking something, but its roots are about being 'outside.' It’s like the word zoomed from physical position to emotional and social emptiness.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.