estranged
Americanadjective
-
displaying or evincing a feeling of alienation; alienated.
The setting denotes the estranged environment in which the protagonists saw themselves when fighting for recognition.
-
no longer in a friendly or affectionate relationship with a family member or friend, and typically living apart.
His estranged wife is living only 10 miles away.
adjective
-
separated and living apart from one's spouse
-
no longer friendly; alienated
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of estranged
Explanation
The adjective estranged suggests a loss of affection, a turning away from someone. When a couple separates, we often refer to them as estranged — or no longer together. The word estranged is an unfriendly word with a negative connotation. The word strange within it seems to suggest an alienation of affection, and that a loving relationship has not only soured, but turned distant and even somewhat hostile. While the word is usually used to describe a human relationship, it can also refer to a political situation where nations that were once allies develop conflicts and become estranged.
Vocabulary lists containing estranged
Dissed List: Breakup Words for Valentine's Day
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Into the Wild
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The Crossover
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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.
Lindsie was estranged from her family for years over their suspicion that she had squealed to state and federal officials.
From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026
If he had given some of the items to his estranged wife, it may be possible to recover them - if there is evidence she still has them.
From BBC • May 26, 2026
The homophonic novels share other likenesses: Both center on estranged sisters, both are set against a backdrop of political unrest and both feature the unlikely appearance of a horse.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
Keyworth said the second series also explored a more vulnerable side to Janie, including through a storyline involving her estranged father, played by Owen Teale.
From BBC • May 19, 2026
Rumors began to spread that Bobby and his mother were estranged.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
