noun

bereavement

bih-REEV-muhnt

noun

The experience of losing a close family member or friend to death, and the grief that follows.

"The company grants five days of paid bereavement leave."

"Bereavement can affect sleep, appetite, and concentration for months."

How to Use Bereavement

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe state and process of grieving after someone close to you dies.

Common pairings

bereavement leave bereavement counseling sudden bereavement

bereavements plural

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The company grants five days of paid _____ leave.

Built from the verb bereave ("to deprive of, especially by death") plus the noun-forming suffix -ment.

cement element clement pavement tenement amusement statement agreement excrement amazement atonement implement