alienation of affections

American  

Or alienation of affection

noun

Law.

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

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Etymology

Origin of alienation of affections

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

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

From Fox News

Then, Melissa sued Cuesta, the school district, and school officials, seeking damages for, among other things, “repeated sexual injury and assault,” “nightmares and sleep deprivation,” “emotional distress,” “alienation of affections,” and “loss of enjoyment of life.”

From Slate

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

When his wife divorced him, he sued the Rev. Hill for $1 million, on grounds of "alienation of affections through teaching of the Bible," also claiming that he does not go to nightclubs or bet on dog races.

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