Meaning & Definition of word "Alienate"

to

arrow

    Alienate

    /ˈeɪ.li.ə.neɪt/

    verb:

    • 1. to cause someone to feel isolated or estranged.
      • Example: His constant criticism began to alienate his friends.
    • 2. to transfer ownership of property or rights to another.
      • Example: The company decided to alienate its old assets to focus on new investments.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'alienatus', meaning 'to make foreign'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    alienate someone:

    to cause someone to feel unwelcome or estranged

    alienated from society:

    feeling disconnected from the community or social groups

    Related Words

    alien:

    a person from another country or planet; foreign.

    aliens:

    people who are not citizens of the country they are in.

    Slang Meanings of alienate

    Meaning: to cut someone off socially or emotionally

    Example Sentence: She totally alienated him when she stopped replying to his texts.

    Meaning: to become distant from friends or family

    Example Sentence: After moving away for college, he felt alienated from his old friends.