alienation

noun

alien·​ation ˌā-lē-ə-ˈnā-shən 

ˌāl-yə-

1

: a withdrawing or separation of a person or a person's affections from an object or position of former attachment : estrangement

alienation … from the values of one's society and family

—S. L. Halleck

2

: a conveyance of property to another

Synonyms

• disaffection
• disgruntlement
• estrangement
• souring

Examples of alienation in a Sentence

after years of alienation from her family, she became reconciled with them when her father fell ill

Recent Examples on the Web

Advertisement Both films also feature world-famous actors trying to disappear into beloved characters who have become so woven into the popular consciousness that any variation risks alienation. —Valli Herman, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024

The movie would work if it weren’t set at Christmas, but the holiday cheer ratchets up the sense of alienation and despair. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2024

Progress on adaptation is progress against climate change, extreme weather and the alienation of far too many Americans from government. —John Sabo, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024

This straightforward, beautiful character study exemplifies neither radicalism nor schizophrenia, although Pierre’s persistent dissatisfaction indicates a larger and recognizable alienation from the trash and decadence of most new films. —Armond White, National Review, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alienacioun "transference of property rights, derangement, estrangement," borrowed from Anglo-French alienaciun, alienation, borrowed from Latin aliēnātiōn-, aliēnātiō "transference of ownership, estrangement, hostility" (mentis aliēnātiō "mental disorder, insanity"), from aliēnāre "to transfer (goods, property) to another, render hostile, estrange" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at alienate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing alienation

• self-alienation

Kids Definition

alienation

noun

alien·​ation ˌā-lē-ə-ˈnā-shən 

ˌāl-yə-ˈnā-

1

: a withdrawing or separation of a person or a person's affection from an object of past attachment

2

: a transfer of property to another

Medical Definition

alienation

noun

alien·​ation ˌā-lē-ə-ˈnā-shən, ˌāl-yə- 

: a withdrawing or separation of a person or a person's affections from an object or position of former attachment

alienation … from the values of one's society and family

—S. L. Halleck