Widowed

Widowed is an adjective describing a person whose spouse has died. A person who loses a spouse is widowed; a man whose wife has died is a widower and a woman whose husband has died is a widow. The state of being widowed is called widowhood. The term is used across cultures and languages to denote a life stage rather than a personal characteristic.

The noun widow comes from Old English widewe. The adjective widowed was formed in Middle English by adding the -ed suffix to widow to describe someone whose spouse has died.

Widowhood commonly involves bereavement and grief, with potential impacts on daily routines, social roles, and support networks. Reactions vary widely and may be influenced by age, culture, and prior circumstances. Access to community, counseling, and family support can affect adjustment.

In many jurisdictions, widowhood affects legal rights and benefits, such as survivor pensions, inheritance, and health care coverage. Inheritance laws and the handling of property may change, and remarriage rules or social expectations may differ.

Widowhood is more prevalent among older adults, with women disproportionately represented due to longer life expectancy in many countries. Cultural norms regarding mourning, remarriage, and caregiving vary widely, influencing public perception and personal experience.