alienation

noun

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

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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.
With a hot war raging in Ukraine, these journalists don’t want to ask for anyone’s sympathy, which in turn heightens their alienation and frustration. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026 Cao’s twist on this legacy has been her discovery that alienation doesn’t always present itself in obvious ways. — Pablo Larios, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 Long gone are the days of Mexican Americans’ alienation from Mexico — at least, if the Mexican government can help it. — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 While snobbery and name-dropping dominate, Nora’s feeling of alienation is tempered by her crush on associate editor Thomas (Joshuah Melnick) who, though only slightly older, seems to know everything about piloting the scene. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for alienation

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Browse Nearby Words

alienated
alienation
alienation of affection
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Cite this Entry

“Alienation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alienation. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alienation

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