estrange

es·trange

transitive verb \i-ˈstrānj\

es·trangedes·trang·ing

Definition of ESTRANGE

1

: to remove from customary environment or associations

2

: to arouse especially mutual enmity or indifference in where there had formerly been love, affection, or friendliness : alienate

— es·trange·ment \-mənt\ noun

— es·trang·er noun

Examples of ESTRANGE

1. <she estranged several of her coworkers when she let her promotion go to her head>

Origin of ESTRANGE

Middle English, from Anglo-French estrangir, estranger, from Medieval Latin extraneare, from Latin extraneus strange — more at strange

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to ESTRANGE

Synonyms

alien, 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

Synonym Discussion of ESTRANGE

estrange, alienate, disaffect mean to cause one to break a bond of affection or loyalty. estrange implies the development of indifference or hostility with consequent separation or divorcement <his estranged wife>. alienate may or may not suggest separation but always implies loss of affection or interest <managed to alienate all his coworkers>. disaffect refers especially to those from whom loyalty is expected and stresses the effects (as rebellion or discontent) of alienation without actual separation <troops disaffected by hunger>.

Rhymes with ESTRANGE

arrange, chump change, derange, downrange, exchange, free-range, gearchange, home range, long-range, outrange, sea change, short-range, shortchange, small change