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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.

See Examples For:

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

She charged alienation of affections, named Marjorie Rambeau, famed actress, with whom Keith appeared in As You Like It.

From Time Magazine Archive

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

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

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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