# alienation of affection

**Pronunciation:** ˌeɪliəˈneɪʃən əv əˈfɛkʃən · AY-lee-uh-NAY-shun uv uh-FEK-shun

**Part of speech:** noun phrase

## 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- Several states have abolished the tort of alienation of affection, arguing that it is an outdated legal relic.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.
- Proving alienation of affection requires showing that the third party maliciously interfered with the marital relationship.

## Synonyms

- marital interference — A descriptive term for the act of disrupting a marriage.
- criminal conversation — An older, related legal term specifically involving adultery.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/alienation%20of%20affection

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