alienation of affection

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

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alienation of affection was in 1647

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Dictionary Entries Near alienation of affection

alienation

alienation of affection

alienation office

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Cite this Entry

“Alienation of affection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alienation%20of%20affection. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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