Estrange Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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estrange

[ษชหˆstreษชndส’ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

relationship change

To estrange means to cause someone to feel alienated or disassociated. This often occurs in relationships where the bond between individuals weakens due to various factors such as misunderstandings, lack of communication, or conflicting interests. Estrangement can lead to a significant emotional distance and may result in a complete breakdown of the relationship. In familial contexts, estrangement may occur between parents and children, siblings, or extended family members, often leading to feelings of isolation and sadness.

Synonyms

alienate, disaffect, distance, separate, withdraw.

Examples of usage

  • The long absence from family served to estrange him from his relatives.
  • Their constant arguments began to estrange them from each other.
  • Life changes can often estrange friends if they don't maintain contact.
  • A disagreement over values can estrange even the closest of friends.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Estrangement can be a significant factor in mental health, contributing to feelings of loneliness and depression.
  • Research indicates that family estrangement affects approximately 20% of adults, showing itโ€™s a common issue.
  • Emotional estrangement may result from unresolved conflicts or differing values, leading to a breakdown in communication.

Literature

  • Classic literature often explores estrangement, highlighting the emotional distances between characters, such as in Shakespeare's works.
  • Many modern novels depict estranged relationships, focusing on how misunderstandings lead to feelings of isolation.
  • Authors like Franz Kafka used estrangement as a theme to reflect societal alienation and personal disconnection.

Pop Culture

  • Songs about estrangement resonate with many, with popular tracks addressing feelings of distance in relationships.
  • Movies often portray estranged family members reuniting, emphasizing the emotional core of reconciling differences.
  • In TV shows, characters may experience estrangement to create dramatic tension, highlighting complex emotional narratives.

Sociology

  • Estrangement can occur in various social contexts, such as workplaces, where employees feel disconnected from the company culture.
  • Cultural factors, such as immigration, can lead to estrangement from one's roots, as people navigate different identities.
  • In contemporary society, technology can both connect and estrange individuals, affecting how relationships are formed and maintained.

Origin of 'estrange'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'estrange' comes from the Latin 'extraneus,' meaning 'external' or 'foreign.'
  • It entered English in the late 14th century, originally reflecting the idea of being a stranger to someone.
  • Over time, its meaning evolved to signify emotional distance rather than just physical separation.

The word 'estrange' is derived from the Latin verb 'extraneare', which means 'to make foreign, alienate'. It reached Middle English through the Old French 'estranger', where it meant 'to keep away from'. The evolution of the word reflects the underlying theme of separation or distancing. Historically, 'estrange' has been used in various contexts, particularly in legal and social matters, where individuals become emotionally or physically distanced from one another. In literature, the term has often been employed to depict the emotional struggles stemming from disconnected relationships. Over the centuries, the meaning has maintained its core connotation of alienation while being used in diverse contexts encompassing both personal and societal implications.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,264 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.