The term “alienated” is often used to describe a sense of disconnection or detachment from others, oneself, or society as a whole. It is a feeling that many people experience at some point in their lives, and it can have a profound impact on one’s mental and emotional well-being. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of alienated, its origin, and its various associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
The word “alienated” is often defined as feeling isolated, estranged, or disconnected from others or society. It can also refer to a sense of separation from one’s own thoughts, feelings, or emotions. In some cases, it may be used to describe a feeling of being rejected or excluded by others.
Origin
The word “alienated” comes from the Latin word “alienare,” which means “to estrange” or “to make unfamiliar.” The term first appeared in English in the 16th century and has since been used to describe a variety of social and psychological phenomena.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “alienated” means “feeling estranged or separated from others or society.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “feeling isolated or estranged from oneself or society.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “feeling that you do not belong in a particular group or society.”
Associations
The term “alienated” is often associated with feelings of loneliness, depression, and social isolation. It can also be linked to mental health issues such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. In some cases, it may be used to describe political or social movements that seek to challenge or overthrow established power structures.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for “alienated” include estranged, disconnected, isolated, detached, and disaffected.
Antonyms
Antonyms for “alienated” include connected, engaged, involved, integrated, and included.
The same root words
Other words that share the same root as “alienated” include “alien,” “alienation,” and “alienate.” These words all refer to a sense of separation or distance from others or oneself.
Example Sentences
- She felt alienated from her friends after moving to a new city.
- The refugees were alienated from their home country and struggled to adjust to their new surroundings.
- He became increasingly disaffected with his job, leading to a sense of alienation from his coworkers.
- The political movement sought to alienate the ruling class and empower the working class.
- She felt connected and engaged with her community, which helped to alleviate her sense of alienation.