First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
grief
noun \ˈgrēf\
: deep sadness caused especially by someone's death
: a cause of deep sadness
: trouble or annoyance
Full Definition of GRIEF
1
obsolete : grievance 3
2
a : deep and poignant distress caused by or as if by bereavement b : a cause of such suffering
3
a : an unfortunate outcome : disaster —used chiefly in the phrase come to grief b : mishap, misadventure c : trouble, annoyance <enough grief for one day> d : annoying or playful criticism <getting grief from his friends>
See grief defined for English-language learners
See grief defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of GRIEF
Middle English gref, from Anglo-French gref, grief injustice, calamity, from gref, adjective heavy, grievous, from Vulgar Latin *grevis, alteration of Latin gravis
Related to GRIEF
- Synonyms
- affliction, anguish, dolefulness, dolor, sorrow, heartache, heartbreak, sorriness, woe
- Antonyms
- blessedness, bliss, blissfulness, cheer, cheerfulness, cheeriness, delight, ecstasy, elatedness, elation, euphoria, exhilaration, exuberance, exultation, felicity, gladness, gladsomeness, glee, gleefulness, happiness, joy, joyfulness, joyousness, jubilation, pleasure, rapture, rapturousness
Synonym Discussion of GRIEF
sorrow, grief, anguish, woe, regret mean distress of mind. sorrow implies a sense of loss or a sense of guilt and remorse <a family united in sorrow upon the patriarch's death>. grief implies poignant sorrow for an immediate cause <the inexpressible grief of the bereaved parents>. anguish suggests torturing grief or dread <the anguish felt by the parents of the kidnapped child>. woe is deep or inconsolable grief or misery <cries of woe echoed throughout the bombed city>. regret implies pain caused by deep disappointment, fruitless longing, or unavailing remorse <nagging regret for missed opportunities>.
GRIEF Defined for Kids
grief
noun \ˈgrēf\
Definition of GRIEF for Kids
1
: very deep sorrow
2
: a cause of sorrow <The dog was nothing but grief to its owner.>
3
: things that cause problems <I've had enough grief for one day.>
4
: an unfortunate happening <The boat came to grief on the rocks.>
Medical Dictionary
grief
noun \ˈgrēf\
Medical Definition of GRIEF
: deep and poignant distress caused by or as if by bereavement; also : a cause of such suffering
Learn More About GRIEF
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up grief? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).