English · Emotions & Feelings
estrangement
/ɪˈstreɪndʒ.mənt/
[/ɪˈstreɪndʒ.mənt/]
loss of closeness
Advancednoun
Definition
A situation in which people who were once close become hostile or distant.
Example
Years of estrangement ended when the two brothers finally met again at their mother's funeral.
Years of estrangement ended when the two brothers finally met again at their mother's funeral.
Etymology
From Old French 'estranger' (to treat as a stranger), from Latin 'extraneus'.
How & Where It’s Used
Describes the breakdown of once-close family or personal ties.