alien

¹alien

adjective \ˈā-lē-ən, ˈāl-yən\

Definition of ALIEN

1

a : belonging or relating to another person, place, or thing : strange

b : relating, belonging, or owing allegiance to another country or government : foreign

c : exotic 1

2

: differing in nature or character typically to the point of incompatibility

— alien·ly adverb

— alien·ness \-lē-ən-nəs, -yən-nəs\ noun

Examples of ALIEN

1. <new immigrants with customs alien to the community where they have settled>
2. <it's completely alien to her nature to wish evil of anyone>

Origin of ALIEN

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin alienus, from alius

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ALIEN

Synonyms

foreign, nonnative

Antonyms

domestic, native

Related Words

imported, introduced, naturalized, transplanted; external, international, multiculti, multicultural, multilateral, multinational; foreign-born, nonindigenous; distant, far-off, overseas, remote; bizarre, exotic, outlandish, strange

Near Antonyms

endemic, local; aboriginal, indigenous

See Synonym Discussion at extrinsic

²alien

noun

Definition of ALIEN

1

: a person of another family, race, or nation

2

: a foreign-born resident who has not been naturalized and is still a subject or citizen of a foreign country; broadly : a foreign-born citizen

3

: extraterrestrial

4

: exotic 1

Examples of ALIEN

1. aliens seeking asylum in the U.S.
2. He claims that he was captured by space aliens.

First Known Use of ALIEN

14th century

³alien

transitive verb

Definition of ALIEN

1

: alienate, estrange

2

: to make over (as property)

Examples of ALIEN

1. <such emotional cruelty will rapidly alien any friends you might possibly have left>
2. <the couple plans to alien the adjoining house lot to their eldest son>

First Known Use of ALIEN

14th century

Related to ALIEN

Synonyms

estrange, alienate, disaffect, disgruntle, sour

Antonyms

reconcile

Related Words

antagonize, embitter, envenom; aggravate, anger, enrage, incense, inflame (also enflame), infuriate, madden, outrage, rankle, rile, roil; break up, dissociate, disunite, divide, separate, sever, split, sunder, uncouple, unlink, unyoke; disappoint, disenchant, disillusion; annoy, bother, bug, chafe, exasperate, gall, grate, irk, irritate, nettle, peeve, pique, rile, vex

Near Antonyms

endear, ingratiate; appease, conciliate, disarm, mollify, pacify, placate, propitiate

alien

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In law, one who resides in a country without becoming naturalized, retaining instead the citizenship of another country. The laws of most nations have long afforded aliens certain minimum standards of civilized treatment but have also restricted their employment and ownership of property. Under U.S. law, all aliens have had to register since 1940. Registration cards (“green cards”) entitle them to obtain employment. Like citizens, aliens are protected by the U.S. Constitution, including the Bill of Rights and the due-process clause of the 14th Amendment. They remain subject to limitations under local laws, and residence in the U.S. is not a right but a privilege granted by Congress.