The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

alienate

IPA

Dictionary definition of alienate

To cause someone to feel isolated, separated or disconnected from others or from a group or society.
"His abrasive behavior started to alienate his friends and family."

Detailed meaning of alienate

It can be used to describe a person's feelings or a person's actions towards others. Alienation can occur in many different ways, for example, someone may feel alienated in a new environment, a person may feel alienated by their peers due to a lack of shared experiences or values, or someone may be deliberately alienated by others due to prejudice or discrimination. Alienation can have a negative impact on a person's mental and emotional well-being, and can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and detachment. People can also be alienated from themselves, which can lead to a feeling of being out of place or not belonging in one's own self. Alienation can also be used as a verb to describe the action of making someone feel alienated. In general, the term "alienate" refers to the act of causing someone to feel isolated, separated or disconnected from others or from a group or society.

Example sentences containing alienate

1. If you don't communicate effectively, you may alienate your team members.
2. Don't let your anger alienate those who care about you.
3. His arrogant behavior might alienate his friends.
4. Using too much technical jargon can alienate your audience.
5. His refusal to compromise could alienate his allies.
6. Continual criticism will eventually alienate even the most patient person.

History and etymology of alienate

The verb 'alienate' traces its origins to the Latin word 'alienare,' derived from 'alienus,' meaning 'of another' or 'foreign.' In its earliest usage, 'alienare' referred to the act of transferring ownership or rights to another, particularly in legal contexts. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a broader sense of causing someone to feel isolated, separated, or disconnected from others or from a group or society. To 'alienate' now signifies the creation of emotional distance or estrangement, often due to differences in beliefs, attitudes, or actions. The etymology of 'alienate' reflects its historical connection to the concept of transferring ownership and property rights, which metaphorically shifted to describe the sense of social and emotional detachment or isolation that the word conveys today.

Quiz: Find the meaning of alienate

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Further usage examples of alienate

1. We must not allow prejudice to alienate members of our community.
2. Unjust policies can alienate the citizens, causing unrest.
3. Inappropriate comments may alienate your colleagues, affecting team harmony.
4. Her brusque manner might alienate potential clients.
5. Mismanagement can alienate stakeholders, resulting in loss of support.
6. Rude customer service will quickly alienate the customers.
7. If not addressed, your negative attitude could alienate your peers.
8. Ignoring your customers' concerns can alienate them, damaging your brand's reputation.
9. Harsh teaching methods can alienate students, impeding their learning.
10. Excessive restrictions may alienate your children, leading to rebellion.
11. Insensitivity towards cultural differences can alienate international clients.
12. Poor leadership can alienate employees, leading to high turnover.
13. Lack of transparency could alienate the public, causing a loss of trust.
14. Being overly possessive in a relationship can alienate your partner.