alienate
C1Formal to neutral. Common in academic, political, legal, business, and personal relationship discourse.
Definition
Meaning
to make someone feel isolated, estranged, or disconnected; to cause to become unfriendly, hostile, or indifferent.
In legal/property contexts: to transfer ownership or title of property to another person. In a social/personal sense: to cause a withdrawal of affection or loyalty.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb typically involves an active agent (the alienator) causing a passive experience (the alienated). It often implies a breach in a previously existing connection, such as friendship, trust, or allegiance. Can describe both emotional states and concrete actions (like transferring property).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The legal sense ('to transfer property') is equally formal and rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally strong negative connotation regarding relationships and social cohesion in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British political and social commentary, but the difference is minimal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] alienates [Object][Subject] alienates [Object] from [Person/Group][Subject] becomes alienated from [Person/Group]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To alienate someone from the fold”
- “To drive a wedge between (related concept)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Policies that alienate core customers can damage brand loyalty.
Academic
The researcher argued that the policy would alienate marginalised groups from civic participation.
Everyday
His constant criticism began to alienate his closest friends.
Technical
In property law, one cannot alienate an asset held in joint tenancy without consent.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The minister's speech risked alienating key voters.
- He managed to alienate himself from the entire department.
- You must not alienate the freehold of the property.
American English
- The new policy could alienate our strongest allies.
- She felt alienated from her family after the argument.
- The contract forbids alienating the asset without board approval.
adverb
British English
- He looked at her alienatedly, as if she were a stranger.
- Not commonly used.
American English
- She sat alienatedly in the corner, speaking to no one.
- Not commonly used.
adjective
British English
- The alienated workforce voted for the strike.
- He spoke to the alienated youth.
American English
- Alienated voters are unlikely to participate.
- She wrote about the alienated protagonist.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His bad temper can alienate people.
- Don't alienate your friends.
- The government's decision alienated many young people.
- She was afraid of alienating her new colleagues.
- His arrogant behaviour eventually alienated even his most loyal supporters.
- Policies focused solely on economic growth may alienate environmental voters.
- The CEO's attempt to centralise power alienated the board, leading to a loss of confidence.
- The treaty contained clauses that prevented either signatory from alienating the disputed territories.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an ALIEN arriving: it feels strange, isolated, and separate from everyone else. To ALIEN-ATE someone is to make them feel like that alien.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL CONNECTION IS PROXIMITY / SOCIAL DISCONNECTION IS DISTANCE. (e.g., 'driving a wedge', 'growing apart', 'pushing away').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'алиенировать' (a rare calque). The closest common equivalent is 'отдалять(ся)' or 'чуждаться'.
- Avoid using 'alienate' for simple physical removal or relocation; it's primarily psychological/social.
- The Russian 'алиенация' (from 'alienation') is a philosophical term; 'alienate' as a verb is more practical.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'He alienated with his rude comments.' Correct: 'He alienated people with his rude comments.' (Needs an object).
- Incorrect: 'She felt alienate.' Correct: 'She felt alienated.' (Requires participle adjective).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'alienate' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Overwhelmingly yes in social contexts, as it describes causing disconnection or hostility. The legal sense (transferring property) is neutral.
'Alienate' focuses on causing emotional/social estrangement, often through actions or attitudes. 'Isolate' is broader and can be physical or social, and can be self-imposed or imposed by others.
Yes, though less common. It suggests someone's own actions led to their estrangement from a group.
The adjective is 'alienated' (e.g., 'an alienated teenager'). 'Alienate' is only a verb.