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alienation of affections

American  
Or alienation of affection

noun

Law.
  1. the estrangement by a third person of one spouse from the other.


Etymology

Origin of alienation of affections

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Under the "alienation of affections" law, a plaintiff must prove the marriage was happy before a third party intervened.

From Fox News

Last week, a strong man of 69, he was in again, being sued for $100,000 alienation of affections by a doughnut maker named Satir C. Adams.

From Time Magazine Archive

She also brought a lively offstage presence to U.S. opera�once, during a tour with Met Basso Ezio Pinza, she collected not only bouquets but also a $250,000 suit from Pinza's wife charging alienation of affections.

From Time Magazine Archive

Mrs. Theresa Fergerson won a divorce on grounds of cruelty without naming Alma as corespondent, then sued her for alienation of affections* and last year won a $25,000 judgment.

From Time Magazine Archive

But in the end, Husband Tilton's forbearance gave out, and he sued Beecher for alienation of affections.

From Time Magazine Archive