alienate
Alienate (verb) means to make someone feel isolated, unwelcome, or estranged. Example: “His constant criticism alienated most of his coworkers.”
How to Use Alienate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo push someone away emotionally, or, in formal legal language, to give up ownership of property.
Word Forms
alienated past tense, alienates plural, alienates singular
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Can you complete this real example?
His constant criticism _____ most of his coworkers.
Etymology
From Latin alienatus, past participle of alienare ("to estrange"), from alienus ("belonging to another").
Related Words
Rhymes for alienate
See all rhymes for alienate →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “alienate” mean?
The word “alienate” means to make someone feel isolated, unwelcome, or estranged. In plain terms, to push someone away emotionally, or, in formal legal language, to give up ownership of property.
How do you pronounce “alienate”?
“Alienate” is pronounced AY-lee-uh-nayt (/ˈeɪ.li.ə.neɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “alienate” in a sentence?
Here is “alienate” used in a sentence: “His constant criticism alienated most of his coworkers.”
What is the opposite of “alienate”?
The opposite of “alienate” — its antonyms — are accept and befriend.
What part of speech is “alienate”?
“Alienate” is a verb.
Where does the word “alienate” come from?
The word “alienate” comes from Latin. From Latin alienatus, past participle of alienare ("to estrange"), from alienus ("belonging to another").
How many meanings does “alienate” have?
“Alienate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make someone feel isolated, unwelcome, or estranged.
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