estrangement
UK: ɪˈstreɪndʒmənt | US: ɪˈstreɪndʒmənt
n. the state of being alienated or distanced from someone, often emotionally or socially
n. the act of causing someone to feel isolated or unwelcome
The word "estrangement" originates from the Old French "estranger" (to alienate), derived from Latin "extraneare" (to treat as a stranger). The prefix "e-" (from Latin "ex-") means "out" or "away," while "strange" traces back to Latin "extraneus" (foreign, external). Over time, "strange" evolved to mean "unfamiliar," and the suffix "-ment" nominalizes the action or state. Thus, "estrangement" literally means "the state of being made to feel like an outsider."
Their long-standing disagreement led to a painful estrangement.
The policy caused an estrangement between the government and its citizens.
She felt a deep sense of estrangement after moving to a new country.
The novel explores themes of family estrangement and reconciliation.
Years of silence resulted in their complete estrangement.