deprive of life

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deprive of life" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the act of taking someone's life or causing death, often in legal or philosophical discussions. Example: "The court found the defendant guilty of actions that would deprive of life, leading to a severe sentence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It provides that "no person shall... be deprived of life, liberty or property, without due process of law".

The New York Times - Magazine

They argued that Mr. Medellín would be deprived of life without due process if he died before Congress acted.

The New York Times

The spirits of the departed are not only venerated but also feared, especially the spirits of those who were prematurely deprived of life and its joys.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The assassination is unconstitutional because the Fifth Amendment specifies that no person may "be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law".

The New York Times

"The killings violated fundamental rights afforded to all U.S. citizens, including the right not to be deprived of life without due process of law," the complaint says.

The New York Times

The due-process clause of the Fifth Amendment prohibits "any person" from being deprived of "life, liberty, or property without due process of law".

The New Yorker

Critics noted that the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution states that no one shall be "deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law".

The New York Times

The Fifth Amendment to the Constitution says that no person shall be deprived of "life, liberty, or property, without due process of law".

The New York Times

It prohibits the return of people to places where they risk being persecuted, tortured, subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, or arbitrarily deprived of life.

The Guardian - Opinion

The US Constitution provides that no "person [shall] be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law [and] a speedy and public trial" by peers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Drafters of the U.S. federal Constitution adopted the due process phraseology in the Fifth Amendment, ratified in 1791, which provides that "No person shall... be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or constitutional rights, use "deprive of life" to emphasize the violation of those rights, especially in relation to due process.

Common error

Avoid using "deprive of life" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "kill" or "cause death" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deprive of life" functions as a predicate in sentences discussing legal rights, ethical considerations, and philosophical arguments related to the taking of a human life. It is often used to highlight violations of fundamental rights, as seen in Ludwig's examples referencing the Fifth Amendment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deprive of life" is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in legal, philosophical, and ethical contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it commonly appears in discussions about constitutional rights and due process. While "deprive of life" is a formal expression, alternatives like "take a life" or "cause death" may be more suitable for informal settings. The phrase's high frequency in news media and encyclopedias underscores its relevance in contemporary discourse. When writing, consider the specific context to ensure appropriate usage and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Kill

This is a generic, direct term for causing the death of a living being.

Take a life

This alternative is a more direct and common way to express the act of killing someone.

Cause death

This alternative focuses on the causation of death rather than the act of deprivation.

End a life

This alternative offers a slightly softer and more euphemistic way to express causing death.

Terminate life

This alternative is more formal and clinical, often used in medical or legal contexts.

Put to death

This alternative specifically refers to execution or capital punishment.

Execute

This alternative suggests a legal or official act of putting someone to death.

Slay

This alternative is more archaic and dramatic, suggesting a violent killing.

Assassinate

This alternative implies a politically motivated or targeted killing of a prominent figure.

Murder

This alternative refers to the unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another.

FAQs

How is "deprive of life" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "deprive of life" often refers to violations of due process, as highlighted by the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. It emphasizes the illegal or unjust taking of someone's life.

What are some alternatives to "deprive of life"?

Some alternatives include "take a life", "cause death", or "end a life". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

What does 'due process of law' mean in relation to being "deprived of life"?

Due process of law means that a person cannot be "deprived of life", liberty, or property without fair legal procedures and safeguards. This concept is central to constitutional rights and protections.

Is "deprive of life" a formal or informal expression?

"Deprive of life" is generally considered a formal expression, often used in legal, philosophical, or ethical discussions. More informal alternatives, such as "kill" or "murder", may be more appropriate in casual contexts.