Orphan - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An orphan is a child whose parents have died or are absent, leaving them without parental care. The term can also refer to young animals without parents.
Definition:
A child whose parents are dead or absent, or something deprived of support or protection.
Synonyms:
waif, foundling, stray
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Antonyms:
parented child, supported entity
Common Collocations:
orphan child, orphan boy, orphan girl, war orphan, orphan drug
Derivatives:
orphanage, orphanhood
Usage Tips:
Use "orphan" as a noun for a parentless child or as a verb meaning to deprive of support (e.g., "orphaned by war").
Common Phrases:
orphan of the storm, poor little orphan Annie, leave someone an orphan
Etymology:
From Greek "orphanos," meaning bereaved or parentless; entered English via Latin and Old French.
Examples:
- 1. The kind couple adopted an orphan from the local shelter.
- 2. After the accident, he was left an orphan at just ten years old.
- 3. The novel tells the story of an orphan searching for her family.
- 4. Many charities work to support orphans in war-torn regions.