In the following single word substitution question, choose the word that means "to be deprived of a close relation or friend through their death".

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of a specific verb used to describe loss through death. The descriptive phrase is "to be deprived of a close relation or friend through their death". In many languages, there is a special vocabulary for such loss, and English is no different. Choosing the correct verb here is important for accurate and sensitive communication, especially in formal writing or counselling contexts.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The phrase describes the state of losing a close relation or friend because that person has died.
• The options are "to divest", "to bereave", "to oust", "to dispossess" and "to displace".
• Several options deal with removal or loss, but not all refer to death.
• We assume standard emotional and legal meanings of these verbs.

Concept / Approach:
The verb "bereave" specifically means to deprive someone of a loved one through death. The related adjective "bereaved" describes people who have lost family members or friends in this way. While "divest", "oust", "dispossess" and "displace" also refer to forms of loss or removal, they usually refer to property, positions or physical locations rather than emotional loss due to death. The approach is to identify the verb that is reserved for death related loss, rather than general removal or eviction.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the key condition: the deprivation happens "through their death". Step 2: Recall that "bereave" is used to describe loss of loved ones, for example "She was bereaved of her husband". Step 3: Check that the other verbs mainly apply to property, office or place, not emotional bereavement. Step 4: Choose "to bereave" as the correct single word substitution.

Verification / Alternative check:
Form example sentences. "The accident bereaved him of his only brother" clearly shows loss by death. If we use "divest", the sentence becomes "The accident divested him of his only brother", which sounds unnatural and suggests business or property rather than human loss. "Oust" is used when someone is removed from a position or place, such as "ousted from office". "Dispossess" generally refers to taking property away, as when a person is dispossessed of land. "Displace" is used when people are forced to leave their homes or are moved from their usual place. None of these carry the specific emotional and death related sense present in the phrase.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"To divest" means to strip or deprive someone of property, rights or title, especially in financial or legal contexts. "To oust" means to drive out or expel someone from a position or place. "To dispossess" means to deprive a person of land, property or other belongings. "To displace" refers to moving someone or something from its usual or proper place, often used when people are forced to migrate. These verbs share the general idea of loss but lack the key element of death and emotional bereavement. Therefore, they do not match the phrase given in the question.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent error is to choose a verb that simply suggests loss or removal without noticing the specific condition "through their death". Exam stress can also make students overlook emotionally loaded vocabulary like "bereave" that they have seen in reading. To avoid such mistakes, underline or mentally highlight special conditions like "by death", "by force" or "by law" in the descriptive phrase, and then match that condition carefully to the options. Building a small list of grief and loss related words, such as "bereaved", "mourning" and "condolence", can further strengthen your vocabulary in this area.

Final Answer:
The correct single word for being deprived of a close relation or friend through their death is to bereave.