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

While the Argentinian deal certainly undercut prices, the actual problem could be a deep, political prime cut of disaffected rural voters, served up hot and angry in the 2026 midterms.

Read more on Salon

The groypers purport to be a movement of disaffected far-right nationalists, predominantly young men, under the sway of charismatic podcasting personality Nick Fuentes.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Through viral videos and outreach to content creators and podcasters, Mamdani has reached disaffected voters at a time when faith in the Democratic party among its own members is at an all-time low.

Read more on BBC

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

Related Words

• alienate 
• antagonize 
• repel