(a) To rob (sb. of sth.); ~ of (fro, from), deprive (sb.) of (sth.); fig. deprive (sb.) of (joy, pride, service, etc.), exclude (sb.) from (heaven, etc.), free (sb.) from (sorrow); (b) to demote (sb.), deprive of power or position, depose, dismiss; also fig.; (c) to take (sth.) away; ~ of, take (sth.) from (sb.).