Langimage
English

alienate

|a-li-en-ate|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈeɪ.li.əˌneɪt/

🇬🇧

/ˈeɪ.li.ə.neɪt/

to estrange or isolate

Etymology
Etymology Information

'alienate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'alienare,' where 'alienus' meant 'of another.'

Historical Evolution

'alienare' transformed into the Old French word 'aliener,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alienate' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to make another's,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to estrange or isolate.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to cause someone to feel isolated or estranged.

His rude behavior alienated his friends.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

to transfer ownership of property rights to another person.

The landowner alienated the property to his son.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35