reave Hear it!

reave¹ Definition

reave (rēv)

transitive verb reaved or reft, reav′·ing

Archaic to take away by violence; seize; rob

Etymology: ME reven < OE reafian, akin to Ger rauben, to rob

  • reavail
reave² Definition

reave (rēv)

transitive verb reaved or reft, reav′·ing

Archaic to break, split, tear, or the like

Etymology: ME reven, altered (by assoc. with reven: see reave) < ON rifa, to tear < IE *reip-, var. of base *rei- > L rima, a crack

  • reawaken
reave Usage Examples

Object

  • system: The extensive Bronze Age reave system on Dartmoor is testament to how long cattle have been grazing the moor.