verb (used with object), es·tranged, es·trang·ing.
1.
to turn away in feeling or affection; make unfriendly or hostile; alienate the affections of: Their quarrel estranged the two friends.
2.
to remove to or keep at a distance: The necessity for traveling on business has estranged him from his family.
3.
to divert from the original use or possessor.
Origin: 1475–85; < Middle French,Old Frenchestranger; cognate with Portugueseestranhar,Spanishestrañar,Italianstraniare < Medieval Latinexstrāneāre to treat as a stranger. See strange
Related forms
es·trange·ment, noun
es·trang·er, noun
self-es·trange·ment, noun
Synonyms Estrange, alienate, disaffect share the sense of causing (someone) to turn away from a previously held state of affection, comradeship, or allegiance. Estrange often implies replacement of love or belonging by apathy or hostility: erstwhile lovers estranged by a misunderstanding.Alienate often calls attention to the cause of antagonism or separation: His inconsiderate behavior alienated both friends and family.Disaffect usually refers to relationships involving allegiance or loyalty rather than love or affection: disaffected workers, demoralized by ill-considered management policies.