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Disaffect Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disaffect

[dɪsˈæfɛkt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

emotional state

To disaffect means to cause someone to lose affection or loyalty. It often refers to the process of alienating or turning someone against a person, group, or ideology. This term can denote a shift in feelings, particularly disillusionment or disenchantment. It is frequently used in political or social contexts where supporters become disillusioned with a leader or a movement.

Synonyms

alienate, disenchant, estrange.

Examples of usage

  • The scandal disaffected many of his former supporters.
  • The new policies were designed to disaffect the workforce.
  • Her actions disaffected a large portion of the community.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Disaffection can be a significant contributor to feelings of alienation and depression in individuals.
  • In relationships, disaffection often indicates a breakdown in communication, leading to further isolation.
  • Studies show that environments exhibiting high disaffection can impact overall mental health and community well-being.

Sociology

  • During political upheavals, disaffection can lead to social movements as people seek change when they feel ignored.
  • Social disaffection is often targeted by campaigns aiming to re-engage citizens in community and governmental processes.
  • Demographic studies reveal patterns of disaffection among younger generations facing economic and social challenges.

Pop Culture

  • Disaffection is a recurring theme in literature and film, often representing characters who feel disconnected from society, like Holden Caulfield in 'The Catcher in the Rye'.
  • Music lyrics often explore themes of disaffection, resonating especially with youth, as seen in songs from genres like punk rock.
  • Television series reflect disaffection through characters challenging societal norms, highlighting a sense of unrest in contemporary culture.

Origin of 'disaffect'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from 'dis-' meaning ‘not’ and 'affect' from Latin 'afficere' which means to influence.
  • It was first recorded in English literature in the late 17th century, reflecting changes in social and emotional relationships.
  • Originally, 'disaffect' described a loss of affection or loyalty, often in political or social contexts.

The term 'disaffect' originates from the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'to not' or 'opposite of' and the word 'affect', which derives from the Latin 'affectus', meaning 'to influence or inspire'. It started appearing in English in the 17th century, often used in political and social contexts to describe a loss of loyalty or affection towards an authority or cause. The word highlights a significant emotional shift, where an individual or group's positive feelings are turned into discontent or hostility. Over time, 'disaffect' has been used increasingly in discussions about politics, relationships, and social movements, reflecting the complexities of human emotions and allegiances.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,072, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.