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Alienating: meaning, definitions and examples

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alienating

 

[ ˈeɪ.li.ə.neɪ.tɪŋ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

social interaction

Alienating refers to actions, behaviors, or circumstances that cause someone to feel isolated or estranged. This term often describes experiences that push individuals away from a social group, community, or relationship. It can encompass feelings of loneliness or a position where one no longer belongs or feels welcomed. Environments or rhetoric that are alienating can have significant emotional effects on individuals, leading to a sense of disconnection and lack of support.

Synonyms

distant, estranging, isolating, unwelcoming

Examples of usage

  • The alienating comments made her feel unwelcome.
  • His behavior was alienating to his friends.
  • An alienating work environment can decrease productivity.
  • She found the group's dynamics increasingly alienating.

Translations

Translations of the word "alienating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alienante

🇮🇳 परायापन

🇩🇪 entfremdend

🇮🇩 mengalienasi

🇺🇦 відчужуючий

🇵🇱 alienujący

🇯🇵 疎外する

🇫🇷 aliénant

🇪🇸 alienante

🇹🇷 yabancılaştırıcı

🇰🇷 소외시키는

🇸🇦 غريب

🇨🇿 odcizující

🇸🇰 odcudzujúci

🇨🇳 疏离的

🇸🇮 odtujajoč

🇮🇸 útangandi

🇰🇿 бөгде

🇬🇪 უცხო

🇦🇿 təcrid edən

🇲🇽 alienante

Etymology

The word 'alienating' is derived from the root 'alienate', which comes from the Latin 'alienare', meaning 'to make another's; to transfer', which itself is derived from 'alienus', meaning 'belonging to another'. The term began to be used in English in the late 14th century to describe the act of transferring ownership or rights. Over time, its usage evolved to encompass broader meanings, particularly relating to the social and emotional dimensions of human interactions. In the 20th century, the psychological implications of alienation became a significant theme, particularly in the context of social theory, existential philosophy, and discussions on mental health, highlighting how certain societal structures and personal relationships could lead to feelings of detachment and isolation.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,872, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.