deprive - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
deprive Word Meanings
- to take away someone's possession
- to deny someone something
- to keep someone from having something
deprive Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
deprive Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪˈpraɪv/
US
/dɪˈpraɪv/
deprive Word Etymology
Root decomposition: de- (away) + privare (to deprive) from Latin. Historical origin: Latin 'deprivare' → Old French 'depriver' → English 'deprive'. Memory image: Imagine a child who is deprived of their favorite toy, emphasizing the feeling of loss and absence.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
First I reach for the last cookie and turn my hand toward myself, pulling it away before my sister can grab it. My grip tightens just enough to keep it out of her reach, a small test of control. The shift in the moment makes us both pause, and I feel the effort in my arm as I decide what she can have. It’s an everyday scene of power and choice, where holding back something you both want becomes part of how we relate.
Real Context
Deprive means to take something away from someone or to prevent them from having something they are entitled to or expect. It covers both physical possessions, like taking away a toy, and more abstract rights or opportunities, such as access to education or fair treatment. In use, it often suggests a forceful or morally charged removal, rather than a simple denial of a request. It is typically followed by the preposition of: deprive someone of something. Notice the contrast with deny, which is about refusing a request rather than taking away what a person already has. In formal writing, you may read phrases like be deprived of water or rights.
Usage Reminders
- Know be deprived of; remember of is required after deprive; avoid mixing with deny; use in formal contexts; check subject-verb pairing; practice with rights and opportunities
Common Misconceptions
- Deprive and deny are the same in all contexts
- Be deprived of can take a direct object without of
- Deprive only refers to physical objects, not rights or opportunities
- Be deprived is a regular verb, not a passive participle
- You can say 'deprive someone of' with any tense without be
Thinking Differences
English tends to distinguish be deprived of (a loss imposed) from be denied (a refused request); learners often confuse the direction of the loss and the required preposition of.
Learning Tips
- Learn common collocations: deprive someone of something; be deprived of something.
- Practice be deprived of with concrete nouns (food, rights, opportunities).
- Compare with deny: deny a request vs deprive a possession.
- Use active and passive forms correctly.
- Read legal/news passages to see formal usage.
- Create your own sentences with different subjects.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does 'deprive' mean?
A.To give abundantly
B.To take away from
C.To celebrate a victory
D.To provide support
Step 2: Usage
Choose the sentence that uses 'deprive' correctly.
A.She was deprived in her accomplishments during the meeting.
B.They deprive the prize to the winner of the contest.
C.He decided to deprive himself of dessert to stay healthy.
D.He will deprive in his new role starting next week.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'deprive'?
A.Restrict
B.Provide
C.Supply
D.Include
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of the word 'deprive'?
A.Provide
B.Abandon
C.Limit
D.Withhold
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario that illustrates deprivation?
A.A shelter offers food and clothing to those in need.
B.A child grows up in a home where access to books is limited.
C.A teacher supplies students with the learning tools they need.
D.The company failed to give employees their bonuses this year.
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