alienation of affection

Meaning

A legal cause of action brought by one spouse against a third party who is alleged to have intentionally caused the loss of the other spouse's love, companionship, and support.

Examples

• Several states have abolished the tort of alienation of affection, arguing that it is an outdated legal relic.
• The plaintiff sought damages for alienation of affection after discovering the affair.

Pronunciation: ˌeɪliəˈneɪʃən əv əˈfɛkʃən

Synonyms of alienation of affection

Words with a similar meaning to alienation of affection:

• marital interference
• criminal conversation