disaffect

American  

[dis-uh-fekt] / ˌdɪs əˈfɛkt /

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 British  

/ ˌdɪsəˈfɛkt /

verb

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

---

Related Words

See estrange.

Other Word Forms

• disaffectedly
  adverb
• disaffectedness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of disaffect

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

Example Sentences

Inquiry being made whether Mr. Norton's preaching was calculated to disaffect subjects towards the government, no evidence was found to that effect.

From Adèle Dubois A Story of the Lovely Miramichi Valley in New Brunswick by Savage, Mrs. William T.

Gallatin warned him against the attempt that would be made to disaffect that district because none of the representatives whose seats had been vacated were residents of it.

From Albert Gallatin American Statesmen Series, Vol. XIII by Stevens, John Austin

I endeavor to detach her from him, and disaffect her towards him; knowing that, if I can separate them entirely, I shall be more likely to succeed in my plan.

From The Coquette The History of Eliza Wharton by Foster, Hannah Webster

Say it's because you quite shamelessly made motions at others while you stood there, and did your best to disaffect men who hadn't the least desire to join in your trouble-making....

From The Trail of the Hawk A Comedy of the Seriousness of Life by Lewis, Sinclair

The manner in which children's tastes are disregarded, their feelings ignored, and their instincts violated, is enough to disaffect one with childhood.

From Gala-days by Hamilton, Gail

Related Words

• alienate
• antagonize
• repel