estrangement

American  

[ih-streynj-muhnt] / ɪˈstreɪndʒ mənt /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• self-estrangement noun

Etymology

Origin of estrangement

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

Example Sentences

One study, published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, found that 6% of respondents reported an estrangement from their mothers, while 26% reported broken ties with their fathers.

From MarketWatch

Therapists and loved ones often give conflicting advice about whether to cut a child off, says Joshua Coleman, a psychologist who helps families with addiction and estrangement.

From The Wall Street Journal

For those of my generation on the continent, the estrangement from the U.S. feels like the death of a beloved relative—but it may not be as final.

From The Wall Street Journal

There is a growing body of literature about family estrangement, particularly children who reject their parents later in life and cut off all contact.

From MarketWatch

Germany’s estrangement from China has been in the making for some time.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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