Definition

Describing someone who has become distant or disconnected from someone they used to be close to, like a family member or friend.

Example

After years of disagreement, they became estranged from each other.

Conversation

Have you talked to Sam lately?

No, we’ve become pretty estranged over the years.

That's too bad; I remember when you two were inseparable.

Yeah, I miss those days, but it feels hard to reconnect now.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To cause someone to be no longer close or friendly with someone; to make someone feel distant or disconnected from someone else.

Example

After years of disagreement, they became estranged from each other.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you heard from Jake lately?

No, I think he feels estranged from us after that last argument.

That's really too bad; we should try to reach out to him.

Root Explanation

Estranged → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out of or away from) and "stringere" (meaning to bind or tie). The word describes a state of being removed or separated from a close relationship, as if one has been untied from it.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'away from' ('ex-') someone you were once 'bound' to ('stringere') — that's why estranged means being separated from someone you were close to.

Visually Confused Words