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Estranged

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. To cause someone to be no longer close or affectionate, leading to emotional or physical separation.
2. To make someone feel alienated or disconnected, often in terms of relationships.
3. To be separated from a group, family, or place, especially after a period of closeness.
4. In legal terms, estranged can refer to a spouse who is living apart from their partner, often in anticipation of divorce.

History and Origin

The word “estranged” originates from the Latin extraneus, meaning “foreign” or “outside.” It entered English through Old French and has been used since the late 14th century to describe a state of emotional separation or alienation. Initially, it was applied in both physical and emotional contexts, referring to someone who was no longer part of a group or household. Over time, the word evolved to focus more on emotional disconnection or alienation between people.

Detailed Explanation

“Estranged” refers to the emotional or physical separation between individuals or groups who were once close. In relationships, it often implies a breakdown of affection, trust, or communication, leading to feelings of distance or alienation. It can describe a situation where someone has become emotionally distant from their family, spouse, friends, or community, usually as a result of conflict or misunderstandings. While estrangement can happen gradually, it often involves a significant shift in the relationship, causing it to become more formal, distant, or even hostile. Estranged individuals may no longer share personal feelings or experiences, leading to a sense of isolation.

Example Sentences

1. After years of fighting, they became estranged and no longer spoke to each other.
2. The estranged couple agreed to separate amicably, though the emotional distance remained.
3. He felt estranged from his family after moving to another country.
4. The estranged son was reluctant to return home after the family dispute.
5. The prolonged arguments led to an estranged relationship between the two friends.
6. She became estranged from her colleagues after the workplace scandal.
7. They were estranged for years before finally reconciling.
8. The estranged siblings rarely met, despite living in the same city.
9. His estranged father never came to visit, which left him feeling abandoned.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Alienated – To cause someone to feel isolated or detached from a group or relationship.
2. Separated – To be physically or emotionally apart from someone or something.
3. Disconnected – To experience a lack of emotional or social connection.
4. Distant – To be emotionally or physically far from someone or something.
5. Remote – To be emotionally or geographically distant, often implying a lack of closeness.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Reconciliation – The process of restoring a relationship after estrangement or conflict.
2. Isolation – The state of being separated or removed from others, often leading to estrangement.
3. Alienation – A feeling of being detached or distanced from others or society.
4. Separation – The action or process of dividing or distancing, which can lead to estrangement.
5. Division – A gap or disagreement that causes a split between individuals or groups, potentially leading to estrangement.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Disaffection – A feeling of dissatisfaction or alienation, especially in relationships or loyalty.
2. Withdrawal – The act of pulling away from social or emotional interaction, often leading to estrangement.
3. Conflict – A serious disagreement or clash, which can result in estrangement between parties.
4. Breach – A violation of trust or an emotional rift that can lead to estrangement.
5. Coldness – The lack of warmth or affection, contributing to emotional estrangement.

Antonyms

1. Close
2. Reconciled
3. Connected
4. Affectionate
5. Unified