1. the act or fact of taking away or withholding something that someone has or needs
Usage: formal; often used in legal or philosophical contexts

Examples

• The deprival of basic rights was a central issue in the human rights case.
• Sleep deprival can have serious effects on cognitive function.
• The court ruled that the deprival of education was unconstitutional.
• Economic deprival often leads to social unrest.
• Parents worry about the deprival of outdoor play for children in urban areas.
• The deprival of freedom of speech is a violation of democratic principles.