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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 • Oct. 5, 2019

Upset by the ensuing publicity when Hudson threatened to sue the U. S. L. T. A. for alienation of affections, Kovacs was no great shakes in his first tour of the big-time circuit.

From Time Magazine Archive

When Mme Sanatescu insisted that the monkey's wish to remain with her be respected, Mme Romano sued for alienation of affections.

From Time Magazine Archive

Samples: From gross income you may exclude alimony, damages collected for breach of promise, alienation of affections, libel or slander.

From Time Magazine Archive

For some one to spit on you, foretells disagreements and alienation of affections.

From Ten Thousand Dreams Interpreted, or what's in a dream: a scientific and practical exposition by Miller, Gustavus Hindman

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