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Alienation: meaning, definitions and examples

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alienation

 

[ ˌeɪliəˈneɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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.
Context #3 | Noun

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

Etymology

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.

See also: alien, alienable, alienate, alienated.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,937 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.