alienation
noun
alien·ation
ˌā-lē-ə-ˈnā-shən 
ˌāl-yə-
1
: a withdrawing or separation of a person or a person's affections from an object or position of former attachment : estrangement
Alienation … from the values of one's society and family.—
S. L. Halleck
S. L. Halleck2
: a conveyance of property to another
Examples of alienation in a Sentence
after years of alienation from her family, she became reconciled with them when her father fell ill
Recent Examples on the Web
The case spurred scrutiny of Utah's family court system and reunification practices and sparked debates about parental alienation and how allegations of child abuse are investigated.
—Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
Like the albums themselves, the experience constantly oscillates between dread and beauty, alienation and intimacy.
—Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 12 May 2026
Sartre viewed antisemitism as a solution for the fundamental human problems of anxiety and alienation.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 8 May 2026
Pau’s early work cohered around a nonnarrative approach to themes of alienation and isolation, rendered through obscure and richly textured visuals.
—Pauline J. Yao, Artforum, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for alienation
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Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
Like the albums themselves, the experience constantly oscillates between dread and beauty, alienation and intimacy.
—Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 12 May 2026
Sartre viewed antisemitism as a solution for the fundamental human problems of anxiety and alienation.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 8 May 2026
Pau’s early work cohered around a nonnarrative approach to themes of alienation and isolation, rendered through obscure and richly textured visuals.
—Pauline J. Yao, Artforum, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for alienation
Cite this Entry
“Alienation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alienation. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
alienation
noun
alien·ation
ˌā-lē-ə-ˈnā-shən
ˌāl-yə-ˈnā-
1
: a withdrawing or separation of a person or a person's affection from an object of past attachment
2
: a transfer of property to another
Medical Definition
alienation
noun
alien·ation
ˌā-lē-ə-ˈnā-shən, ˌāl-yə-
: a withdrawing or separation of a person or a person's affections from an object or position of former attachment
alienation … from the values of one's society and family—S. L. Halleck
S. L. HalleckLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
