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.
The estranged prince and his family, including seven-year-old Archie and five-year-old Lilibet, will stay in a mixture of royal residences and private accommodation during the visit, the source confirmed to AFP.
From Barron's ● Jun. 27, 2026
Molly Shannon, Ferrell’s frequent scene partner on “SNL,” plays the protagonist’s estranged wife.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 24, 2026
Many of the images were taken in the home that Murrell, 61, shared with his estranged wife, the former first minister Nicola Sturgeon.
From BBC ● Jun. 23, 2026
Trudeau, who split from his wife, Sophie, in August 2023, shares three children with his estranged spouse, all of whom are currently said to be living with their mother in Montreal.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 12, 2026
Never again shall there be any such league of Elves and Men; for Men multiply and the Firstborn decrease, and the two kindreds are estranged.
From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien
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.
