disaffect

[dis-uh-fekt]

verb (used with object)

1. to alienate the affection, sympathy, or support of; make discontented or disloyal.

   The dictator's policies had soon disaffected the people.

disaffect

/ ˌdɪsəˈfɛkt /

verb

1. (tr; often passive) to cause to lose loyalty or affection; alienate

Other Word Forms

• disaffectedly adverb
• disaffectedness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disaffect¹

First recorded in 1615–25; dis- ¹ + affect ²

Synonym Study

See estrange.

Example Sentences

Similarly, do what you want with Bud Light and Cracker Barrel, but you’re the one alienating and disaffecting an entire swath of customers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Veteran TV news executives warn that any overt attempt to woo disaffected conservatives risks alienating the millions of viewers who are still watching CBS News programs.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Kirk’s opinions were spoken to anger and appeal to disaffected young voters who have had nothing but disinformation fed to them their entire lives.

Read more on Salon

He and other scholars note similarities between the deployment of troops to American cities, widespread disillusionment with the Supreme Court, and spasms of political violence — especially from disaffected young men.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Levy swept that belief aside, forcing a disaffected Kane to stay.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• alienate 
• antagonize 
• repel