Divest sb of sth Meaning / Examples / How to Use

What Does “Divest sb of sth” Mean?

“Divest sb of sth” means to take something away from someone, especially something valuable or important. It often implies removing possessions, rights, or power.

Introduction

The phrasal verb “divest sb of sth” is used when someone is deprived of something they own or possess. This could be physical items, rights, titles, or responsibilities. Understanding the divest sb of sth meaning helps learners recognize situations where loss or removal happens, whether legally, emotionally, or physically. This phrase is formal and often appears in legal, business, or political contexts but can also be used in everyday conversation. Knowing how to use “divest sb of sth” correctly will improve your English fluency and help you express ideas about taking away possessions or rights clearly and effectively.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: divest somebody of something
• Type: transitive
• Level: B2–C1
• Short meaning: to take something valuable or important away from someone

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Divest sb of sth” is a transitive phrasal verb and is inseparable, meaning you cannot separate the verb and the preposition with the object.

Pattern: divest + somebody + of + something

Example: The new law divested the company of its rights.

How to Use “Divest sb of sth”?

Use “divest sb of sth” when you want to describe someone losing possession or control over something. This phrase is often formal and fits well in writing like reports, news, or formal discussions. It can be used for physical possessions, rights, titles, or responsibilities.

Remember, the object who loses something (sb) comes immediately after “divest,” followed by “of” and the thing lost (sth).

Examples

• The court divested him of his property after the fraud was proven.
• During the takeover, the company was divested of several key assets.
• The new policy divested citizens of certain voting rights.
• He was divested of his title after the scandal.
• The government divested the organization of its funding.

Common Mistakes

• Incorrect: The company divested of its assets.
  Correct: The company was divested of its assets.
• Incorrect: She divested the money from him.
  Correct: She divested him of the money.
• Incorrect: They divested the rights.
  Correct: They divested the owner of the rights.

Differences / Synonyms

Similar phrases include “take away,” “strip sb of sth,” and “deprive sb of sth.”

• Take away: More general and informal; can mean removing objects or people.
• Strip sb of sth: Often used for power, titles, or rights; similar in meaning but more dramatic.
• Deprive sb of sth: Focuses on denying someone something necessary or wanted; broader use.

“Divest sb of sth” is more formal and often legal or business-related compared to these synonyms.

Common Collocations

• Divest sb of property: To take away someone’s land or possessions.
• Divest sb of rights: To remove legal or human rights.
• Divest sb of titles: To remove official titles or honors.
• Divest sb of power: To take away someone’s authority or control.
• Divest sb of assets: To remove someone’s valuable resources or investments.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of divest sb of sth:

• Divest Yourself Of Sth

Real-life Dialogue

Anna: Did you hear about the new law? It divests landlords of some of their rights.

Mark: Really? That sounds serious. What rights are being taken away?

Anna: It divests them of the ability to evict tenants without cause.

Mark: That will definitely change how landlords operate.

Practice

Choose the correct sentence:

• a) The government divested the citizens of their voting rights.
• b) The government divested of the citizens their voting rights.
• c) The government divested the voting rights from the citizens.

Answer: a) The government divested the citizens of their voting rights.

FAQs

• Q: Is “divest sb of sth” formal or informal?
  A: It is formal and often used in legal or business contexts.
• Q: Can I say “divest sth from sb”?
  A: No, the correct structure is “divest sb of sth.”
• Q: What is the difference between “divest” and “deprive”?
  A: “Divest” is more formal and usually involves legal or official removal, while “deprive” is broader and can be less formal.
• Q: Can “divest” be used without “of”?
  A: When used as a phrasal verb meaning to remove from someone, it requires “of.”
• Q: Is “divest sb of sth” separable?
  A: No, it is inseparable; the object must come immediately after “divest.”