Estranging: meaning, definitions and examples

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estranging

 

[ ɪˈstreɪndʒɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

emotional distance

To estrange someone is to cause them to feel disconnected or alienated from a person, group, or society. This act often results in the breakdown of relationships, creating a sense of separation or isolation. Estrangement can occur in various contexts, such as family relationships, friendships, or even in larger social situations. The term highlights the emotional and psychological distance that can develop through conflict, neglect, or misunderstanding.

Synonyms

alienate, separate, withdraw

Examples of usage

  • The continuous arguments began estranging him from his family.
  • She felt estranged from her childhood friends after moving away.
  • His job often estranged him from his home life.
  • Estranging oneself from toxic environments can be beneficial.

Translations

Translations of the word "estranging" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estranho

🇮🇳 परायापन

🇩🇪 entfremdend

🇮🇩 asing

🇺🇦 відчуження

🇵🇱 wyobcowanie

🇯🇵 疎外

🇫🇷 aliénation

🇪🇸 extrañar

🇹🇷 yabancılaştırma

🇰🇷 소외

🇸🇦 استبعاد

🇨🇿 odcizení

🇸🇰 odcudzenie

🇨🇳 疏远

🇸🇮 odtujenost

🇮🇸 fjarri

🇰🇿 жырақтау

🇬🇪 გარდაცვალება

🇦🇿 uzaqlaşdırma

🇲🇽 extrañar

Etymology

The word 'estrange' originates from the late Middle English term 'estrangen', which is derived from the Latin word 'extraneus', meaning 'external' or 'strange'. This indicates the act of making something or someone foreign or unfamiliar. Throughout its history, the term has evolved to encapsulate not just physical distance, but emotional and relational separations as well. The concept of estrangement frequently appears in literature and psychology, illustrating the complexities of human relationships and the impact of external factors on personal connections. Its usage has been widely adopted in discussions related to family dynamics, mental health, and social interactions, further embedding the term in contemporary dialogue about human connectivity.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,566, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.