al·ien·ate ( l y -nt , l --)tr.v. al·ien·at·ed, al·ien·at·ing, al·ien·ates 1. To cause to become unfriendly or hostile; estrange: alienate a friend; alienate potential supporters by taking extreme positions. See Synonyms at estrange. 2. To cause to become withdrawn or unresponsive; isolate or dissociate emotionally: The numbing labor tended to alienate workers. 3. To cause to be transferred; turn away: "He succeeded . . . in alienating the affections of my only ward" (Oscar Wilde). 4. Law To transfer (property or a right) to the ownership of another, especially by an act of the owner rather than by inheritance. [Latin ali nre, alint-, from Latin alinus, alien; see alien.]al ien·ator n. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  alienator - an unpleasant person who causes friendly people to become indifferent or unfriendly or hostiledisagreeable person, unpleasant person - a person who is not pleasant or agreeable |
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