alienation
/ˌeɪliəˈneɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌeɪliəˈneɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌā-lē-ə-ˈnā-shən ˌāl-yə-/ (ame, mw)
alienation — noun
1. the uncomfortable state of feeling separate from the people or society around yo
the uncomfortable state of feeling separate from the people or society around you, as though you do not share their values or experiences
Yuna felt a deep sense of alienation after moving to a country where nobody spoke her language.
sense of alienation + from [unfamiliar environment]
Long working hours and very few team activities created a feeling of alienation among the office staff.
Teenagers often experience a period of alienation from their parents as they develop their own identity.
After the argument, Kofi felt a strong sense of alienation from the friends he had trusted for years.
- isolation
focuses more on physical separation; alienation emphasises emotional distance
- estrangement
suggests a former closeness that has been lost; slightly more formal
- detachment
implies a deliberate emotional or mental distance, not necessarily painful
文法句型
alienation + from + [person/group]
sense/feeling + of + alienation
用法筆記
Often used in phrases like 'sense of alienation' or 'feelings of alienation.' The preposition 'from' typically introduces the person, group, or society from which someone feels disconnected.
常見錯誤
2. the process by which a person's words or actions push others away, causing them
the process by which a person's words or actions push others away, causing them to withdraw their support, loyalty, or friendly feelings
The company's decision to ignore worker safety caused the alienation of the entire factory staff.
alienation of [group] — factory staff as object
By refusing to listen to community concerns, the mayor risked the alienation of thousands of voters.
Tariq's constant criticism of his teammates led to his gradual alienation from the project group.
The teacher's unfair grading system resulted in the alienation of several hardworking students.
- estrangement
similar level of formality; often used in personal relationships
- disaffection
focuses on loss of loyalty or enthusiasm, especially in political contexts
- isolation
can be a result of alienation, but focuses more on the state of being alone
- reconciliation
the act of restoring a friendly relationship after a conflict
- engagement
active participation and connection with others
文法句型
(the) alienation + of + [person/group]
lead to + alienation
risk + alienation
用法筆記
This sense focuses on the action or process of making others unfriendly, rather than the internal feeling. The object of alienation is often a group ('alienation of supporters') rather than a single person.