'bereaved' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'bereafian,' where 'be-' meant 'thoroughly' and 'reafian' meant 'to rob or deprive.'

'bereafian' transformed into the Middle English word 'bereven,' and eventually became the modern English word 'bereave.'

Initially, it meant 'to rob or deprive thoroughly,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'suffering the loss of a loved one.'