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Disaffected Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disaffected

[ˌdɪsəˈfɛktɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling disillusioned or disenchanted

Disaffected means dissatisfied with the people in authority and no longer willing to support them. It refers to a sense of alienation or estrangement from a group or organization.

Synonyms

disenchanted, disillusioned, estranged.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disaffected

Used when someone is dissatisfied with people in authority and no longer willing to support them, often leading to rebellion or opposition.

  • The disaffected citizens took to the streets in protest
disenchanted

Appropriate for expressing a loss of belief or affection for something one previously admired or valued.

  • After learning about the company's unethical practices, she became disenchanted with her job
disillusioned

Best for situations where someone has had their positive illusions or naive beliefs shattered, often by an unpleasant truth.

  • He was disillusioned to find that his political heroes were involved in corruption
estranged

Used to describe a relationship that has become distant or unfriendly, often between people who were once close, such as family members or friends.

  • The years of conflict had left them estranged from each other

Examples of usage

  • He became disaffected with the company after multiple disagreements with management.
  • The disaffected citizens protested against the government's policies.
  • She was disaffected with the political party she used to support.
Context #2 | Adjective

no longer feeling loyal or supportive

Disaffected can also describe a lack of loyalty or support towards a person, group, or cause. It implies a sense of detachment or apathy.

Synonyms

alienated, apathetic, indifferent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disaffected

When someone is resentful or discontent with authority or society. It implies a sense of frustration and rebellion.

  • The disaffected employees organized a strike to protest against the unfair policies.
  • Disaffected voters are turning away from mainstream political parties.
alienated

When someone feels isolated or estranged from a group or society. It often suggests a deeper emotional distance or disconnect.

  • He felt alienated from his friends after moving to a new city.
  • The rapid technological changes have alienated some older workers.
indifferent

When someone has a lack of interest or concern, but it is less intense than apathy. It suggests neutrality or disinterest.

  • She was indifferent to the outcome of the game.
  • He seemed indifferent to the praise he received.
apathetic

When someone shows no interest, enthusiasm, or concern. It denotes a lack of emotion or motivation.

  • The students were apathetic about the upcoming exams.
  • Her apathetic attitude towards politics means she rarely votes.

Examples of usage

  • The disaffected employees formed a union to address their grievances.
  • The disaffected voters chose to abstain from the election.
  • He was disaffected towards his former mentor.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Social Movements

  • Throughout history, feelings of disaffection have often led to social movements demanding change, such as the civil rights movements in the 1960s.
  • Disaffected youth, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s, played significant roles in protests and counterculture movements around the world.

Psychology

  • Disaffection can lead to feelings of alienation, which may contribute to mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
  • In social psychology, disaffection is often linked to dissatisfaction with authority figures or systems that seem unresponsive.

Politics

  • Political disaffection occurs when citizens feel their voices are ignored, leading to disengagement from voting or civic activities.
  • Studies have shown that disaffected voters often turn to alternative candidates or movements, seeking to express their dissatisfaction.

Literature

  • Disaffected characters frequently appear in literature as symbols of rebellion or critique against societal norms, reflecting deeper emotional struggles.
  • Famous works, such as 'Catcher in the Rye,' explore themes of disaffection through protagonists who feel disconnected from their environments.

Origin of 'disaffected'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'disaffected' comes from the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'not' and 'affected', which relates to being influenced or connected.
  • It first entered the English language in the 19th century, gaining popularity in discussions of political and social discontent.

The word 'disaffected' originated from the late 16th century, combining the prefix 'dis-' (indicating negation) with 'affected' meaning 'inclined or disposed.' Over time, it evolved to convey a sense of discontent or lack of loyalty. The term has been used to describe various forms of disillusionment or alienation in social, political, and personal contexts.

See also: affect, affectation, affected, affectedness, affection, affective, unaffected.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,339, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.