Meaning & Definition of word "Alienate"

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.