WordGarden.iodeprivation
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /dɪprɪvˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ˌdɛprəˈveɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
a state of lacking something needed for well-being, comfort, or normal life
a harmful lack of sleep, oxygen, nutrition, or stimulation in medical or psychological contexts
the formal removal or withholding of a right, liberty, benefit, or legal status
Beyond the definition
Deprivation isn't just about not having something; it's the state of lacking essential things like food, sleep, or even affection. Imagine someone stranded on an island—they might face deprivation of basic necessities. But deprivation can also be emotional. A child who doesn't receive enough love and attention can suffer from emotional deprivation. It's more than just absence; it suggests a real need that isn't being met. Think of the word "private"—both share a root meaning "to take away."
Sometimes, deprivation is chosen—a monk might practice sensory deprivation as part of a spiritual journey. Other times, it's imposed by circumstances or unfairness. A story about hardship often involves characters facing some form of deprivation.
Deprivation refers to the state of being without something considered necessary or desirable. It can encompass physical needs like food, water, shelter, and sleep – think of a famine-stricken region where people suffer from severe nutritional deprivation. But it extends far beyond basic survival. Deprivation can also be emotional, social, intellectual, or even sensory.
A child growing up in an abusive home might experience emotional deprivation due to lack of affection and support. Someone isolated from society could suffer from social deprivation. A prisoner held in solitary confinement may experience sensory deprivation—far fewer sights, sounds, and human contact than normal.
The severity of deprivation varies greatly. Mild sleep deprivation might just make you grumpy, while prolonged food deprivation can be life-threatening. The term is often used to highlight injustice or hardship. We talk about the deprivation faced by refugees fleeing war zones, or the economic deprivation experienced by communities struggling with poverty.
Interestingly, intentional deprivation exists too. Some people practice forms of self-deprivation—like fasting or minimalist living—as a way to achieve spiritual growth or greater appreciation for what they have. However, even in these cases, there's an element of willingly choosing to go without something considered desirable.
So whether it's the lack of essential resources, emotional support, or sensory input, deprivation speaks to a fundamental need that remains unmet, often with significant consequences. It's a word that carries weight, hinting at hardship, vulnerability, and the importance of having our basic needs fulfilled.
Examples
- 1
Sleep loss
After several nights of sleep deprivation, she could hardly focus at work.
- 2
Social contact
The study looked at how deprivation of social contact affects mental health.
- 3
Poverty
Children growing up in poverty often face multiple forms of deprivation.
- 4
Sensory deprivation
The prisoners were subjected to sensory deprivation for hours.
- Phrasesensory deprivation
being kept without normal sights, sounds, or other sensations
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Minor loss
Missing one holiday felt like a minor deprivation compared with losing his home.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- deprivationnoun
Forms
- deprivationspluralnoun