Synonyms of disaffect

disaffect

verb

1

as in to anger

to cause to change from friendly or loving to unfriendly or uncaring

the candidate tried to win over disaffected voters

Synonyms & Similar Words

• anger
• infuriate
• alienate
• estrange
• outrage
• alien
• enrage
• sour
• annoy
• sever
• disgruntle
• irritate
• disappoint
• antagonize
• embitter
• aggravate
• divide
• enflame
• bother
• disunite
• rile
• split
• inflame
• disillusion
• dissociate
• exasperate
• rankle
• roil
• irk
• vex
• separate
• madden
• sunder
• incense
• uncouple
• envenom
• disenchant
• unyoke
• pique
• unlink
• chafe
• break up
• bug
• grate
• gall
• nettle
• peeve

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reconcile
• appease
• placate
• disarm
• pacify
• conciliate
• ingratiate
• endear
• mollify
• propitiate

2

as in to displease

to make discontented

the troops were disaffected by the extension of their tours of duty

Synonyms & Similar Words

• displease
• annoy
• dissatisfy
• irritate
• discontent
• disturb
• alienate
• upset
• estrange
• disgruntle
• agitate
• depress
• perturb
• disquiet
• irk
• discompose
• aggrieve
• sadden
• nettle
• peeve

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• satisfy
• please
• gratify
• content
• delight
• tickle
• gladden
• soothe
• calm
• tranquillize
• tranquilize

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disaffect contrast with its synonyms?

The words alienate and estrange are common synonyms of disaffect. While all three words mean "to cause one to break a bond of affection or loyalty," 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

When is alienate a more appropriate choice than disaffect?

While in some cases nearly identical to disaffect, alienate may or may not suggest separation but always implies loss of affection or interest.

managed to alienate all his coworkers

When can estrange be used instead of disaffect?

The words estrange and disaffect can be used in similar contexts, but estrange implies the development of indifference or hostility with consequent separation or divorcement.

his estranged wife