estrangement

[ih-streynj-muhnt]

noun

1. the state of being alienated or separated in feeling or affection; a state of hostility or unfriendliness.

   Since the summer there’s been a rift in the family over something that my daughter posted online, and I still can't figure out how this estrangement occurred over something so silly.

   Diplomatic relations between the two nations were officially restored after more than five decades of estrangement.

2. the state of being separated or removed.

   After years of forced estrangement, the families of people living in the vast refugee camp are finally beginning to get some news of their relatives there.

Other Word Forms

• self-estrangement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of estrangement¹

estrange ( def. ) + -ment ( def. )

Example Sentences

Nora can’t believe he has the temerity to ask her to star in his next work after many years of estrangement.

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This makes sense to me, that when estrangement is a pressing necessity it should not be stigmatized or judged.

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From this episode unfolds a tragedy of estrangement, rejection and self-recrimination that ultimately tears a family apart.

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Over the years Turner had commented a number of times on his estrangement from his mother since his parents’ divorce.

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“There was an estrangement between the two of us,” Bourne said, adding they don’t talk anymore because of her work as an activist.

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Related Words

• alienation 
• disaffection 
• disunity 
• hostility 
• schism 
• separation