Alienate: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone feels excluded or unwelcome, often due to their actions or behaviors. Can apply to social or personal relationships.

• Her outspoken opinions on the subject alienated her from the rest of her friends.
• His tendency to criticize everyone often alienates his colleagues.

Used when someone is set apart or separated from others, often physically, to ensure privacy, safety, or due to a hostile environment.

• During the pandemic, many people felt isolated due to social distancing measures.
• They isolated the patient to prevent the spread of infection.

Describes a situation where close relationships, usually family or romantic, become distant or hostile over time. Often implies a long-term separation.

• She felt estranged from her father after years of minimal contact.
• His estranged wife filed for divorce last year.

Refers to creating a physical or emotional gap between people or groups, either intentionally or unintentionally.

• She decided to distance herself from the toxic environment at work.
• After the argument, he felt the need to distance himself from his friend.

Refers to dividing or keeping people or things apart. Can be used in both physical and emotional contexts.

• They decided to separate after realizing they had different life goals.
• The teacher separated the fighting students to prevent further conflict.

This word is often used in a social context to describe when someone pushes others away or makes them feel isolated. It can have a negative connotation.

• His rude comments really alienated his friends.
• The new policies could alienate long-time employees.

Typically used in a logistical or practical context to describe moving something from one place or person to another. This can involve physical items, digital data, or responsibilities.

• He decided to transfer the funds to his new bank account.
• The data transfer took only a few minutes.

Often used for communication or message delivery. This word implies the transfer of ideas, feelings, or information from one person to another.

• She tried to convey her excitement through her words.
• The painting conveys a deep sense of sadness.

This term is typically used in formal or legal contexts to indicate giving up control or territory, often by a treaty or formal agreement.

• The country was forced to cede part of its territory after the war.
• He agreed to cede control of the company to his business partner.