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

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

From Los Angeles Times

Reflecting on Salmond's death, while attending a conference in the North Macedonian city of Ohrid, Sturgeon writes that the emotions she felt suggested she had not come to terms with their estrangement.

From BBC

I admired how deftly she explored complex topics including racism, colorism and familial estrangement within a propulsive, poignant tale.

From Los Angeles Times

Beginning at Ellie’s 15th birthday and moving through subsequent ones, the episode chronicled the shifting dynamic in the main characters’ father-daughter relationship, from a tight bond between orphan and her adopted protector to near estrangement.

From Los Angeles Times

It's a poignant statement from anyone dealing with family estrangement, but one that carries particular candor when it's coming from a prince.

From Salon

Related Words

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