alienation of affections

: the diversion of a person's affection from someone (as a spouse) who has certain rights or claims to such affection usually to a third person who is held to be the instigator or cause of the diversion

called also alienation of affection

compare criminal conversation

Note: In most jurisdictions alienation of affections is no longer recognized.

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Cite this Entry

“Alienation of affections.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/alienation%20of%20affections. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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