estrange

verb

es·trange | \ i-ˈstrānj

estranged; estranging

Definition of estrange

1 : to arouse especially mutual enmity or indifference in (someone) where there had formerly been love, affection, or friendliness : alienate John's excesses gradually estranged him from his mother …— Philip Norman She became estranged from her family.

2 : to remove from customary environment or associations The first words spoken were not those of one becoming estranged from this world, and already permitted to stray at times into realms foreign to the living.— Charlotte Brontë

Other Words from estrange Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about estrange

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Other Words from estrange

estrangement \ i-ˈstrānj-mənt

\ noun

her estrangement from her family

estranger noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for estrange

Synonyms

alien, alienate, disaffect, disgruntle, sour

Antonyms

reconcile

Choose the Right Synonym for 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 (such as rebellion or discontent) of alienation without actual separation. troops disaffected by hunger

Examples of estrange in a Sentence

she estranged several of her coworkers when she let her promotion go to her head

Recent Examples on the Web

While the administration is currently focused on undoing its mess for the youngest children, thousands remain in government custody estranged from their families. — Sarah Nechamkin, The Cut, "Exactly How Many Separated Immigrant Families Have Been Reunited?," 10 July 2018 As to plot: Gladstone has become the owner of an NBA team in Newark that is struggling to make the playoffs and whose star player, Dag Maxwell, is estranged from the mother of his children. — Daniel Akst, WSJ, "‘The Hazards of Good Fortune’ Review: An Unforgiven Overreacher," 5 Oct. 2018 Maybe his family is estranged, or oceans away, or his relatives have all passed on. — Sushrut Jangi, BostonGlobe.com, "We shouldn’t keep families out of hospital rooms. Here’s why," 1 May 2018 Although their divorce did not become official until 1996, Sarah was estranged from the royal family after her photo scandal in 1992. — Maggie Maloney, Town & Country, "A Complete Timeline of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson's Relationship," 8 Oct. 2018 Tyler has reportedly been estranged from his father for some time. — Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, "Who Is Meghan Markle's Nephew, Tyler Dooley?," 9 Oct. 2018 She's long been estranged from him, and plans to spend the weekend getting ready to sell the house. — Katie Walsh, latimes.com, "The Gabrielle Union home-invasion thriller 'Breaking In' could use some breathing room," 10 May 2018 Seventeen-year-old Rivers Prather is estranged from his mother. — Steve Hartman, CBS News, "Mission to find a stolen wallet changes one man's life," 6 Apr. 2018 Cunningham’s other brothers, Ross Cunningham and Greg Cunningham, said Bill Cunningham was a deeply troubled man who was estranged from the family. — Marwa Eltagouri, Washington Post, "Dallas County candidate admits plan to reward his children who marry white, straight Christians," 18 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'estrange.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.