alienation

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Science Academic · Technical

n. the idea that workers feel disconnected from their work and themselves because they have no control over what they make.

n. the estrangement of individuals from their humanity and the products of their labour within a stratified social system.

“In his early writings, Marx discussed how factory work can cause the alienation of the worker.”

“The seminar focused on how modern gig-economy structures might exacerbate the alienation of labour by removing traditional workplace social bonds.”

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Theater Technical · Academic

n. a style of acting or directing that makes the audience think about the play rather than getting lost in the story.

n. a technique used to prevent the audience from identifying with the characters, encouraging a critical distance from the narrative.

“The director used bright lights and direct addresses to the audience to create a sense of alienation.”

“Brecht’s alienation effect was designed to strip away the illusion of reality, forcing the spectator to acknowledge the play as a political construct.”

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Law Formal · Technical

n. the legal act of giving or selling property to someone else.

n. the voluntary and absolute transfer of title and possession of real or personal property from one person to another.

“The contract included a clause that restricted the alienation of the land for ten years.”

“The legal dispute centered on whether the original deed permitted the alienation of the estate to a non-family member.”