deprive of

IPA/dɪpɹˈaɪv ɒv/
IPA/dᵻpɹˈaɪv ʌv/

deprive of — phrasal verb

  • deprive ofbase form
  • deprives of3rd person singular
  • depriving of-ing form
  • deprived ofpast simple

1. to take away something essential for survival, health, or basic functioning — su

1.片語動詞及物B2
釋義

to take away something essential for survival, health, or basic functioning — such as taking away from someone food, sleep, or freedom, etc., without which they cannot live properly.

例句

The prisoners were deprived of food and water for three days as punishment.

passive: be deprived of food/water

Layla felt her stressful job was depriving her of sleep and family time.

同義詞
  • strip of

    more forceful and often implies taking something away by force or authority

  • rob of

    suggests taking something dishonestly or by theft; stronger negative connotation

  • deny

    refusing to give something rather than taking away what someone already has

反義詞
  • provide with

    giving someone something they need, the opposite of deprivation

  • grant

    to give or allow something, especially a right or privilege

文法句型

deprive + person/group + of + essential thing

be deprived of + essential thing

用法筆記

Frequently used in the passive voice (be deprived of). The object of the deprivation is typically a basic necessity or right — food, sleep, water, freedom, education, or legal rights.

常見錯誤

❌The storm deprived the town electricity for a week.
✅The storm deprived the town of electricity for a week.
💡the preposition 'of' is always required after 'deprive'.
❌She was deprived from sleep during the exam period.
✅She was deprived of sleep during the exam period.
💡use 'of', not 'from', after 'deprive'.

2. to stop someone from enjoying or keeping something valued or desirable — not a b

2.片語動詞及物B2
釋義

to stop someone from enjoying or keeping something valued or desirable — not a basic need, but an opportunity, chance, pleasure, or privilege that matters to them.

例句

The new regulations deprived local fishermen of their traditional fishing grounds.

collocation: deprive someone of grounds/territory

Asher's broken leg deprived him of the chance to compete in the national finals.

同義詞
  • deny

    refusing to allow someone to have an experience or opportunity rather than taking away one they already had

  • take away

    more general and less formal; can apply to concrete or abstract things

文法句型

deprive + person/group + of + opportunity/chance/experience

be deprived of + opportunity/chance

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1: sense 1 involves basic needs essential for survival or function; sense 2 involves opportunities, experiences, or privileges that a person values or enjoys but does not strictly need. The distinction can be subtle — context determines which sense applies.

常見錯誤

❌The accident deprived him to play football again.
✅The accident deprived him of the chance to play football again.
💡a verb cannot follow 'deprive of' directly; use a noun phrase or gerund.