Definition of estranged

The word "estranged" originated in the 15th century from the Old French "estranjier," which means "to make strange" or "to drive apart." This Old French verb is derived from the Latin "extraneus," meaning "foreign" or "outside." Initially, "estranged" meant "to make strange" or "to render foreign," but over time its meaning expanded to encompass the sense of "to drive apart" or "to make distant." In the 16th century, the verb took on a more figurative sense, implying a separation or disconnection between people, often due to conflict, disagreement, or a breakdown in relationships. Today, "estranged" is commonly used to describe individuals who have become disconnected or separated from each other, often due to a prolonged period of non-communication, ideological differences, or unresolved conflicts.