Legal Definitions - estrange

Estrange (verb)

To estrange means to cause a separation or a breakdown in a relationship, often leading to a loss of affection, trust, or close connection between individuals or groups. It describes the act of pushing someone away or becoming distant from them, either physically or emotionally.

Here are some examples:

• Example 1: Family Disagreement

  After a heated argument over a family inheritance, a brother and sister stopped speaking to each other for several years. The sister felt that her brother's accusations were deeply unfair and hurtful, causing her to estrange herself from him completely.

  Explanation: In this scenario, the brother's accusations and the subsequent argument led to a significant emotional and communicative separation between the siblings. The sister's decision to stop speaking to him demonstrates how the conflict caused a breakdown in their relationship and a loss of affection and trust, leading her to keep away from him.

• Example 2: Professional Ethics

  A long-standing employee at a non-profit organization began to feel deeply estranged from the company's mission after new management implemented policies that prioritized fundraising over direct community service. She felt the organization was no longer aligned with her personal values.

  Explanation: Here, the employee's feeling of estrangement arises from a divergence in values and priorities. The new policies caused a separation between her personal commitment and the organization's direction, diminishing her loyalty and connection to its original purpose.

• Example 3: Community Relations

  The city council's decision to approve a controversial development project without adequate public consultation caused many local residents to feel estranged from their local government. They believed their voices were ignored and their concerns dismissed.

  Explanation: This example illustrates how actions by a governing body can lead to a feeling of separation and a loss of trust among its constituents. The lack of consultation caused residents to feel pushed away and disconnected from the decision-making process, thereby diminishing their loyalty and confidence in their local government.