First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
estrange
verb es·trange \i-ˈstrānj\
: to cause someone to be no longer friendly or close to another person or group
: to cause someone to be no longer involved or connected with something
es·trangedes·trang·ing
Full Definition of ESTRANGE
transitive verb
1
: to remove from customary environment or associations
2
: to arouse especially mutual enmity or indifference in where there had formerly been love, affection, or friendliness : alienate
— es·trange·ment \-mənt\ noun
— es·trang·er noun
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Origin of ESTRANGE
Middle English, from Anglo-French estrangir, estranger, from Medieval Latin extraneare, from Latin extraneus strange — more at strange
Synonym Discussion of ESTRANGE
estrange, alienate, disaffect mean to cause one to break a bond of affection or loyalty. estrange implies the development of indifference or hostility with consequent separation or divorcement <his estranged wife>. alienate may or may not suggest separation but always implies loss of affection or interest <managed to alienate all his coworkers>. disaffect refers especially to those from whom loyalty is expected and stresses the effects (as rebellion or discontent) of alienation without actual separation <troops disaffected by hunger>.
Rhymes with ESTRANGE
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