(philosophy) The state of being deprived of or lacking an attribute formerly or properly possessed; the loss or absence of such an attribute.

plural of privation

Relating to privation.

Belonging to, concerning, or accessible only to an individual person or a specific group. / Not accessible by the public. / Not in governmental office or employment.

A soldier of the lowest rank in the army. / A doctor working in privately rather than publicly funded health care. / (euphemistic, in the plural) The genitals.

(Internet, transitive) To make something hidden from the public (without deleting it permanently).

(historical) A privately owned warship that had official sanction to attack enemy ships and take possession of their cargo.

To function under official sanction permitting attacks on enemy shipping and seizing ship and cargo; to engage in government-sponsored piracy.

In a private manner.

The transfer of a company or organization from government to private ownership and control.