Bereavement
(noun)
- The state of having lost someone or something loved through death.
- The period of time during which someone grieves for a loved one who has died.
Origin:
Bereavement is derived from the old english word "bearæfnes" which means "the state of being deprived" and the old french word "bereavement" which means "the act of being bereaved".
Examples:
- She was still in a state of bereavement after the death of her husband.
- The family was going through a difficult time of bereavement after the loss of their mother.
- He took a leave of absence from work due to bereavement.
- The bereavement support group helped her cope with the loss of her child.
- She felt guilty for feeling happy during the time of bereavement of her best friend.