Main Entry:

es·trange

Pronunciation:

\i-ˈstrānj\

Function:

transitive verb

Inflected Form(s):

es·tranged; es·trang·ing

Etymology:

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

Date:

15th century

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

synonyms 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>.