alienation

noun

alien·​ation ˌā-lē-ə-ˈnā-shən 

ˌāl-yə-

1

: a withdrawing or separation of a person or a person's affections from an object or position of former attachment : estrangement

Alienation … from the values of one's society and family.

—S. L. Halleck

2

: a conveyance of property to another

Synonyms of alienation

• estrangement

Examples of alienation in a Sentence

after years of alienation from her family, she became reconciled with them when her father fell ill

Recent Examples on the Web

Research shows deep levels of alienation among Gen Z, or young people born between 1997 and 2012. — Evan Clarkson, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026

The album’s title references the zero interest rate era that fueled Silicon Valley’s startup boom, with Smith using that economic shorthand as a lens for examining technology, streaming culture and modern alienation. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 6 Aug. 2026

Alienation, not indifference Research shows deep levels of alienation among Gen Z, or young people born between 1997 and 2012. — Evan Clarkson, The Conversation, 6 Aug. 2026

The temptation to disparage the other parent, especially in front of the children, can damage your own custody standing — and in extreme cases, be characterized as parental alienation. — Melissa Needle, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alienacioun "transference of property rights, derangement, estrangement," borrowed from Anglo-French alienaciun, alienation, borrowed from Latin aliēnātiōn-, aliēnātiō "transference of ownership, estrangement, hostility" (mentis aliēnātiō "mental disorder, insanity"), from aliēnāre "to transfer (goods, property) to another, render hostile, estrange" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at alienate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing alienation

• self-alienation

Rhymes for alienation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

alienation

noun

alien·​ation ˌā-lē-ə-ˈnā-shən 

ˌāl-yə-ˈnā-

1

: a withdrawing or separation of a person or a person's affection from an object of past attachment

2

: a transfer of property to another

Medical Definition

alienation

noun

alien·​ation ˌā-lē-ə-ˈnā-shən, ˌāl-yə- 

: a withdrawing or separation of a person or a person's affections from an object or position of former attachment

alienation … from the values of one's society and family

—S. L. Halleck