v.
Pronunciation: i- ' str ā nj
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: es · tranged ; es · trang · ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French estrangir, estranger, from Medieval Latin extraneare, from Latin extraneus strange ― more at STRANGE
Date: 15th century
1 : to remove from customary environment or associations
2 : to arouse especially mutual enmity or indifference in where there had formerly been love, affection, or friendliness : ALIENATE
– es · trange · ment \ -m ə nt \ noun
– es · trang · er noun
synonyms 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 (as rebellion or discontent) of alienation without actual separation <troops disaffected by hunger>.