Definition of alienate

The word "alienate" has its roots in the Latin word "alienare," which means "to make a stranger." This Latin word is a combination of "ali-," meaning "to another" or "foreign," and "-nare," which is a suffix meaning "to make" or "to render." When the word "alienate" was first introduced into the English language in the 14th century, its primary meaning was "to make a stranger" or "to separate from one's own kind." Over time, the word evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, including "to make someone an enemy," "to banish or expel," and "to drive off or away." In modern times, "alienate" is often used in a legal context to describe the process of transferring ownership or title to a piece of property, and it can also refer to the act of causing someone to feel isolated or disconnected from others.