# bereavement

/bɝˈivmənt/ (US) · /bɪɹˈiːvmənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bereavement
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the state of being very sad because you have lost someone you loved, like a family member or a close friend.

For teachers: the state of having suffered the loss of a loved one, typically through death. Often used in the context of psychological or emotional recovery.

## Examples

- He is still in the early stages of his bereavement.
- The company offers a bereavement leave policy to help employees deal with the loss of a close family member.
- The therapist specialises in helping patients navigate the complex emotional landscape of bereavement, providing a safe space for them to process their grief without judgment.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.