Definition

A person who causes someone to feel distant or alienated from others.

Example

The estranger in the story made the main character feel isolated from her friends.

Conversation

I feel like some people can be real estrangers in their own families.

That's true; sometimes, family dynamics can be really complicated.

Yeah, it’s sad when a loved one becomes an estranger to you.

I know, it makes you appreciate the close relationships even more.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Estranger is derived from Old French 'estranger' (meaning to be a stranger or foreigner), which comes from the Latin 'extraneus' (meaning external or foreign). The word refers to someone who is from outside a particular place or group.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'external' ('extraneus') to a group — that's why 'estranger' means a stranger or foreigner.

Visually Confused Words