1
Core action
Cause someone to become isolated, estranged, indifferent, or hostile.
Example
The dismissive remarks alienated longtime supporters.
alienate
/ˈeɪliəneɪt/ · AY-lee-uh-naytverb
Cause someone to become isolated, estranged, indifferent, or hostile.
Use alienate to express this relationship precisely: cause someone to become isolated, estranged, indifferent, or hostile.
What alienate Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
Opaque decisions can alienate local communities.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
The reform sought change without alienating workers.
Use alienate Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The dismissive remarks alienated longtime supporters.
Opaque decisions can alienate local communities.
The reform sought change without alienating workers.
Precision Matters
Alienate overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
alienate
vs.Means cause someone to become isolated, estranged, indifferent, or hostile.
conciliate
Means reduce hostility, win goodwill, or restore friendly relations with an angry or opposing person or group.
alienate
vs.Means cause someone to become isolated, estranged, indifferent, or hostile.
assuage
Means make an unpleasant feeling, fear, pain, or concern less intense; soothe or relieve it.
alienate
vs.Means cause someone to become isolated, estranged, indifferent, or hostile.
promote
Means encourage, support, or contribute to the development, progress, growth, or acceptance of something.
alienate
vs.Means cause someone to become isolated, estranged, indifferent, or hostile.
antagonize
Means provoke hostility in someone or make that person become opposed or unfriendly.
Test alienate in Context
Her behaviour creates distance and hostility among supporters.
1
By refusing to hear any objections, the leader began to ___ even her closest allies.