Grief | Definition of grief by Merriam-Webster

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>

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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

First Known Use: 15th century

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>.