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estrange

verb

/ɪˈstreɪndʒ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of estrange

To create a sense of alienation, distance, or disconnection between individuals or groups.
"The new job demands started to estrange him from his family as he worked long hours."

Detailed meaning of estrange

When someone estranges, they cause a rift or a breakdown in a previously close or familiar relationship, resulting in a state of emotional or social detachment. It involves creating a sense of unfamiliarity, loss of intimacy, or a breakdown in communication and understanding. Estranging can occur in various relationships, such as between friends, family members, romantic partners, or even within larger social or cultural contexts. It can be the result of conflicts, disagreements, or changes in values, lifestyles, or priorities. Estrangement can lead to feelings of loneliness, sadness, or bitterness for those involved, as it represents a loss of connection and a disruption of the bonds that once held individuals or groups together.

Example sentences containing estrange

1. Their constant arguments began to estrange them from each other.
2. The political differences caused a deep rift and estranged lifelong friends.
3. Her decision to move abroad estranged her from her hometown and childhood friends.
4. The scandal in the company led to an estrangement between colleagues.
5. The cultural differences became a source of tension, slowly estranging the couple.
6. The bitter dispute over inheritance estranged the siblings for years.

History and etymology of estrange

The verb 'estrange' derives its etymology from the Old French word 'estranger,' which means 'to alienate' or 'to treat as a stranger.' This Old French term, in turn, can be traced back to the Latin word 'extraneare,' which is derived from 'extraneus,' meaning 'foreign' or 'strange.' 'Extraneare' was used in the sense of making someone or something seem foreign or strange, thus creating a sense of alienation or distance. In Middle English, 'estrangen' emerged as the term to describe the act of distancing or alienating individuals or groups from one another. Consequently, the etymology of 'estrange' reflects its historical association with the idea of making something or someone feel foreign or unfamiliar, emphasizing its role in describing the process of creating a sense of disconnection or alienation between people or groups.

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Further usage examples of estrange

1. The harsh words spoken during the argument deeply estranged the once-close friends.
2. The drastic lifestyle change began to estrange her from her old social circle.
3. The betrayal of trust caused an irreparable estrangement between them.
4. The religious beliefs of the family member served to estrange them from the rest of the relatives.
5. The generation gap and differences in values gradually estranged them from their parents.
6. Misunderstandings can estrange even the closest friends.
7. His actions started to estrange him from his family.
8. The disagreement threatened to estrange the team members.
9. Her behavior began to estrange her colleagues at work.
10. Money disputes often estrange business partners.
11. The secrecy of his work started to estrange his spouse.
12. The divisive issue could estrange the entire community.
13. Their constant arguing began to estrange the neighbors.
14. Betrayal can deeply estrange trust in a relationship.
15. The harsh words spoken that day still estrange them.
16. Cultural differences can sometimes estrange people.
17. Her indifference seemed to estrange her from the group.
18. Political polarization can estrange citizens from one another.
19. The new policy threatened to estrange loyal customers.
20. Addiction can estrange individuals from their loved ones.
21. The secrecy surrounding the project may estrange employees.
22. His radical beliefs began to estrange old friends.
23. Jealousy can estrange even the strongest bonds.
24. Distrust can slowly estrange a once-close partnership.
25. Personal differences should not estrange us from collaboration.