alienation

noun

alien·​ation ˌā-lē-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce alienation (audio)
ˌāl-yə-
Synonyms of alienationnext
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

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Consumers are very perceptive, and this can lead to audience alienation. —Emily Reynolds Bergh, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 Why not stay the course and leave Penelope within the realm of ambiguous alienation? —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2024 Ling Ma, 41, Chicago, a fiction writer whose often surreal or speculative stories build from and shed light on contemporary experiences of alienation, immigration and materialism. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2024 Tsukamoto’s film is a manic allegory for technology’s invasion of the flesh, urban alienation, and repressed sexuality – all wrapped up in a package that’s equal parts David Cronenberg body horror and Looney Tunes on acid. —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for alienation 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of alienation was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing alienation

Dictionary Entries Near alienation

alienated

alienation

alienation of affection

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Alienation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alienation. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

alienation

noun
alien·​ation ˌā-lē-ə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce alienation (audio)
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- How to pronounce alienation (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on alienation

Nglish: Translation of alienation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of alienation for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alienation

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