Alienation: meaning, definitions and examples
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alienation
[ ˌeɪliəˈneɪʃən ]
in society
Alienation is the state of feeling isolated or separated from a group or environment. It can also refer to a sense of not belonging or being out of place.
Synonyms
estrangement, isolation, loneliness
Examples of usage
- The teenager experienced alienation at school, feeling like no one understood him.
- She felt a deep sense of alienation from her colleagues at work, making her consider finding a new job.
philosophical
In philosophy, alienation can refer to a condition in which a person feels estranged from their essential nature or from the world around them. It often involves a sense of detachment or disconnection.
Synonyms
detachment, disconnection, estrangement
Examples of usage
- The existentialist philosopher discussed the concept of alienation in modern society.
- Her existential crisis led to a profound feeling of alienation from reality.
psychological
Psychological alienation is the feeling of being separated from oneself, often resulting in a sense of emptiness or loss of identity. It can manifest as a disconnect between one's thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Synonyms
self-alienation, self-disconnection, self-estrangement
Examples of usage
- She sought therapy to address her psychological alienation and rediscover her sense of self.
- The artist's work reflected his struggle with psychological alienation and inner turmoil.
Translations
Translations of the word "alienation" in other languages:
🇵🇹 alienação
🇮🇳 अलगाव
🇩🇪 Entfremdung
🇮🇩 alienasi
🇺🇦 відчуження
🇵🇱 alienacja
🇯🇵 疎外
🇫🇷 aliénation
🇪🇸 alienación
🇹🇷 yabancılaşma
🇰🇷 소외
🇸🇦 اغتراب
🇨🇿 odcizení
🇸🇰 odcudzenie
🇨🇳 疏远
🇸🇮 odtujenost
🇮🇸 firring
🇰🇿 бөтендену
🇬🇪 გაუცხოება
🇦🇿 yadlaşma
🇲🇽 alienación
Word origin
The term 'alienation' has its roots in Latin, where 'alienus' means 'belonging to another.' The concept of alienation has been explored in various fields, including philosophy, sociology, and psychology. It gained prominence in the 19th century with the works of thinkers like Karl Marx, who discussed alienation in the context of labor and capitalism. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a range of experiences, from social isolation to existential detachment.