alienation of affections: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Legal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “alienation of affections” mean?
A legal cause of action in some jurisdictions where a third party's intentional interference causes one spouse to lose affection for the other, damaging the marital relationship.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A legal cause of action in some jurisdictions where a third party's intentional interference causes one spouse to lose affection for the other, damaging the marital relationship.
In broader usage, the process by which a person's love, loyalty, or emotional attachment is transferred from one individual (especially a spouse or partner) to another due to the influence or actions of a third party.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a legal tort, it is largely obsolete and not recognized in UK law. In the US, it is a historical tort still actionable in a handful of states (e.g., Hawaii, Illinois, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Dakota, Utah).
Connotations
UK: Archaic, primarily historical or literary. US: Primarily associated with specific US law, often seen as an anachronistic or controversial legal concept.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday British English. In American English, it appears almost exclusively in legal discussions, historical contexts, or sensationalist news.
Grammar
How to Use “alienation of affections” in a Sentence
[Plaintiff] sued [Third Party] for alienation of affections.The [action/behaviour] of [Third Party] caused an alienation of [Spouse's] affections.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alienation of affections” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The barrister argued the defendant had effectively alienated the plaintiff's affections.
- He was accused of alienating her affections.
American English
- The plaintiff alleged the co-worker alienated her husband's affections.
- They filed suit, claiming the neighbour had alienated their spouse's affections.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- The alienation-of-affections suit was seen as a relic of a bygone era.
- He faced alienation-of-affections allegations.
American English
- The alienation-of-affections claim proceeded to trial in the North Carolina court.
- They researched alienation-of-affections statutes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in legal history, sociology of family law, and gender studies to discuss the regulation of marital relationships.
Everyday
Rare. May be used jokingly or metaphorically (e.g., 'My new video game is causing an alienation of my wife's affections').
Technical
A specific tort in certain US jurisdictions; requires proof of wrongful conduct, loss of affection or consortium, and causal connection.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alienation of affections”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “alienation of affections”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alienation of affections”
- Using it to mean general feelings of alienation or social estrangement. Confusing it with 'criminal conversation' (adultery as a tort).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Adultery (or 'criminal conversation' in tort law) is the act of sexual intercourse. Alienation of affections is the wrongful act of causing one spouse to lose affection for the other, which may or may not involve adultery.
No. The tort was abolished in England and Wales by the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1970.
Typically, a third party outside the marriage, such as a lover, friend, or even a family member, whose intentional actions are deemed to have caused the loss of affection.
No, it is very rare. It is only available in a few states, and successful claims require significant evidence of malicious interference. It is often considered an antiquated legal concept.
A legal cause of action in some jurisdictions where a third party's intentional interference causes one spouse to lose affection for the other, damaging the marital relationship.
Alienation of affections is usually formal, legal, literary in register.
Alienation of affections: in British English it is pronounced /ˌeɪ.li.ə.neɪ.ʃən əv əˈfek.ʃənz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌeɪ.li.ə.neɪ.ʃən əv əˈfek.ʃənz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to steal someone's spouse”
- “to come between a husband and wife”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an ALIEN (alienation) abducting the AFFECTION (love) from a marriage and giving it to someone else.
Conceptual Metaphor
AFFECTION IS A POSSESSION that can be stolen or alienated by a third party.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the term 'alienation of affections'?