estrangement

[ ih-streynj-muhnt ]

noun

1. the state of being alienated or separated in feeling or affection; a state of hostility or unfriendliness:

   Since the summer there’s been a rift in the family over something that my daughter posted online, and I still can't figure out how this estrangement occurred over something so silly.

   Diplomatic relations between the two nations were officially restored after more than five decades of estrangement.

2. the state of being separated or removed:

   After years of forced estrangement, the families of people living in the vast refugee camp are finally beginning to get some news of their relatives there.

Other Words From

• self-es·trange·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of estrangement¹

estrange ( def ) + -ment ( def )

Example Sentences

America’s impending estrangement from the scientific community will not be limited to the issue of climate change.

From Salon

This electoral calamity seriously undermines the Democratic Party’s already-tenuous claim to represent an American majority, and virtually completes its estrangement from most of the American working class.

From Salon

But “Housewives” notoriety also contributed to Gay’s estrangement from most of her family.

From Los Angeles Times

That code led to an estrangement from the Dodgers that lasted more than a decade.

From Los Angeles Times

Set inside a cramped New York apartment where adult sisters on the brink of estrangement await their father’s last breath, “His Three Daughters,” from writer-director Azazel Jacobs, is no farce.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• alienation
• disaffection
• disunity
• hostility
• schism
• separation