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Estrangement Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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estrangement

[ษชหˆstreษชndส’mษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

family relationships

The state of being estranged or alienated from one's feelings, relationships, or environment.

Synonyms

alienation, isolation, separation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
estrangement

Similar to 'estrangement,' it is used when describing a state of being separated or no longer in touch, often after a conflict or serious disagreement.

  • After years of estrangement, she decided to reach out to her old friend
alienation

Typically used in contexts where a person feels isolated or cut off from a group or society, often involving a sense of disconnection or hostility. It can also refer to feeling out of place in social environments.

  • John's constant criticism led to his alienation from his colleagues
separation

Used to describe a physical or emotional condition of being apart from someone or something. It can refer to temporary or permanent division, often in the context of relationships, workplaces, or physical spaces.

  • The separation of the company into smaller entities was necessary for its survival
isolation

Refers to the state of being alone or away from others, often without any social interactions. It can be self-imposed or due to external circumstances and carries a neutral or sometimes negative connotation.

  • The long winter months in the remote cabin left her in complete isolation

Examples of usage

  • His estrangement from his family was caused by years of misunderstandings.
  • She felt a sense of estrangement from her friends after moving to a new city.
Context #2 | Noun

legal context

The act or process of estranging; state of being estranged.

Synonyms

detachment, disaffection, disconnection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
estrangement

Use this word to describe a situation in which a person feels distant or alienated from others, often due to conflict or difference in opinions. It usually implies a personal or emotional distance between people.

  • After the argument, there was a sense of estrangement between the siblings.
  • The estrangement from her family lasted for years, but they eventually reconciled.
disaffection

This word is used to express a feeling of disappointment or dissatisfaction, especially with authority or a group one was previously a part of. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • There was a growing disaffection among the employees due to the new policies.
  • The government's failure to address the issue led to widespread disaffection among the public.
disconnection

This term is appropriate for situations where there is a literal or figurative break in contact or relationship. It can describe both physical and emotional separation.

  • The disconnection of the internet service caused a lot of frustration in the office.
  • Feeling a growing disconnection from his old friends, he sought out new ones.
detachment

This term is often used to describe a state of emotional or intellectual distance. It may imply a deliberate choice to remain unbiased or uninvolved.

  • His detachment from the situation allowed him to make a fair decision.
  • She maintained a certain detachment in her professional relationships.

Examples of usage

  • The legal concept of estrangement is often used in divorce cases.
Context #3 | Noun

literary context

A theme or motif of being separated or cut off from society or oneself.

Synonyms

alienation, isolation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
estrangement

Used to describe a situation where there has been a loss of affection or relationship, often resulting in emotional distance between people, typically family members or close friends.

  • The estrangement between the siblings became apparent during family gatherings
  • He felt an estrangement from his wife after years of misunderstandings
alienation

Often refers to a feeling of being isolated or separated from a group, community, or society, and can also relate to feelings of not fitting in or not being understood.

  • She felt a sense of alienation in her new workplace
  • The novel explores themes of societal alienation and loneliness
isolation

Describes a physical state of being separated from others, which can also lead to feelings of loneliness. Can be used in various contexts, including medical quarantine or emotional withdrawal.

  • During the pandemic, many people experienced social isolation
  • His isolation from the rest of the team affected his performance

Examples of usage

  • The novel explores the theme of estrangement through the protagonist's journey.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Estrangement can be a common result of long-term conflicts in relationships, leading to emotional distance.
  • Research shows that unresolved disagreements can cause estrangement, impacting mental health and social behaviors.
  • Therapeutic interventions often focus on addressing communication patterns to prevent or heal estrangement.

Literature

  • Characters in many classic novels, like 'Anna Karenina', often experience estrangement when their societal roles conflict with personal desires.
  • Modern authors frequently explore estrangement in their works to portray themes of isolation and disconnection in contemporary life.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have varying approaches to estrangement; in some, it may be more accepted as a natural part of life's transitions.
  • In many traditional societies, estrangement can be viewed negatively, often linked to failure to maintain familial bonds.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and songs often depict estrangement as a key theme, illustrating how characters cope with loneliness and the desire for reconnection.
  • Popular television shows, such as 'This Is Us,' frequently explore family estrangement, showcasing the complexities of modern relationships.

Origin of 'estrangement'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'extraneus,' meaning 'outside' or 'alien,' which highlights the feeling of being removed or distant.
  • In the 1500s, the term evolved in Old French to describe a relationship no longer friendly or intimate.

The word 'estrangement' originates from the late 16th century, derived from the Old French word 'estranger' meaning 'to alienate'. The concept of estrangement has been explored in various literary works, psychology, and sociology, highlighting the complexities of human relationships and emotions.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,774, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.