disaffection

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a loss of affection or loyalty toward a person, group, or way of life; alienation

   His new ambitions caused a growing disaffection from his old friends and home.

2. 2
   noun

   discontent with, or loss of loyalty to, a government or established authority

   Years of unpaid wages spread disaffection through the army.

Formed in the 17th century from disaffect + -ion. Disaffect combines dis-, marking reversal or removal, with affect in the older sense 'dispose or influence,' so disaffection is a turning away of attachment or loyalty.

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