Definition: bereave

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7 

bereave
     v : deprive through death

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) 

Bereave \Be*reave"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Bereaved, Bereft;
   p. pr. & vb. n. Bereaving.] [OE. bireven, AS. bere['a]fian.
   See Be-, and Reave.]
   1. To make destitute; to deprive; to strip; -- with of before
      the person or thing taken away.

            Madam, you have bereft me of all words. --Shak.

            Bereft of him who taught me how to sing. --Tickell.

   2. To take away from. [Obs.]

            All your interest in those territories Is utterly
            bereft you; all is lost.              --Shak.

   3. To take away. [Obs.]

            Shall move you to bereave my life.    --Marlowe.

   Note: The imp. and past pple. form bereaved is not used in
         reference to immaterial objects. We say bereaved or
         bereft by death of a relative, bereft of hope and
         strength.

   Syn: To dispossess; to divest.