Alienate

To cause someone to feel isolated or estranged; to make someone unfriendly, hostile, or indifferent. This can be achieved through various actions or behaviors, such as expressing disapproval, being overly critical, showing a lack of empathy, or excluding them from social groups. Alienation often results in a breakdown of relationships, creating emotional distance and a sense of disconnect between individuals or groups. It implies a shift from a state of connection or belonging to one of separation or exclusion, potentially causing lasting harm to the relationship. The act of alienating can be intentional or unintentional, but the impact often remains the same.

Alienate meaning with examples

• The politician's controversial speech served to Alienate a significant portion of the electorate, as their offensive remarks and dismissive tone regarding social issues drove many voters away and weakened their public support.
• Sarah's constant criticism of her colleague's work began to Alienate him, leading to a tense and unproductive work environment, where collaborative projects suffered from the growing emotional distance between them.
• The company's new policy, which seemed indifferent to employee concerns, ultimately alienated many of its dedicated staff, leading to lower morale and increasing employee turnover rates.
• By excluding her from the group's activities, the clique tried to Alienate Jane and make her feel unwelcome, which was a deliberate attempt to damage her social standing and reputation.
• John's blunt and insensitive remarks at the dinner party inadvertently alienated several guests, transforming a potentially enjoyable gathering into a source of awkward tension and discomfort.