Definition of the word bereavement

The word "bereavement" has its roots in Latin and Old French. The Latin word "berere" means "to carry" or "to bear," and the suffix "-ment" is a noun-forming suffix. In Old French, the word "berevement" emerged, which roughly translated to "carrying away" or "bearing down." The term "bereavement" was first used in English around the 14th century to describe the act of carrying away or taking away someone loved or precious. Initially, it was used to describe both literal and metaphorical loss, such as the passing of time or the loss of a possession. Over time, the term became more strongly associated with the death of a loved one and remains so today, referring to the state of being deeply saddened or grief-stricken following the loss of someone close. Despite its origins in more general concepts of loss, the modern meaning of "bereavement" is primarily focused on the emotional toll of mourning the loss of a loved one.