Orphelin (en. Orphan)

/ɔʁ.fə.lɛ̃/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
A child whose parents are dead.
The orphan was taken in by a foster family.
L'orphelin a été recueilli par une famille d'accueil.
A person who has lost one or both of their parents.
He became an orphan after his mother died.
Il est devenu orphelin après la mort de sa mère.

Etymology

From Latin 'orphanus', based on the absence of parents.

Common Phrases and Expressions

war orphan
A child whose parents have died due to an armed conflict.
orphelin de guerre
like an orphan
To feel isolated or alone, like a child without a parent.
comme un orphelin

Related Words

orphanage
Establishment that houses orphans.
orphelinat
parent
Person who has a child.
parent
abandonment
Action of leaving someone without protection or care.
abandon

Slang Meanings

Refers to someone who feels neglected or ignored.
In this city, everyone feels orphaned.
Dans cette ville, tout le monde se sent orphelin.
Used to designate a person without family ties.
He is a modern-day orphan, without friends or family.
Il est un orphelin des temps modernes, sans amis ni famille.