grief

A person experiences grief when a loved one* dies. Grief is felt for a parent, a spouse, a sibling, a child, or a friend who has passed away. Many people also feel grief when the loss involves a family pet such as a dog or a cat.

• The family felt tremendous grief following the death of their daughter.
• The man’s grief was so overwhelming that he couldn’t speak.
• Andrea felt very little grief when her husband died because she never really loved him.
• The family is managing its grief very well.

The word "grieve" is a verb:

• They’re grieving the loss of their mother.
• Members of a hospital staff see people grieve every day.
• Mary grieved over the death of her beloved cat for months.

The word "grief" can also be an adjective:

• A grief counselor worked with the children following the incident.
• The woman required grief counseling after her husband died.

* loved one: a person whom you love, usually a family member or a very close friend.

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Published on December 16, 2012.