Definition of "inalienable" in English

adjective

1. Not subject to being alienated, that is, surrendered, taken away, or transferred to another.

   • Near-synonyms: indelible, unsurrenderable, permanent
   • An inalienable right is a right that cannot be given away nor taken away.

2. (grammar) Of or pertaining to a noun belonging to a special class in which the possessive construction differs from the norm, especially for particular familial relationships and body parts, regarding permanence.

   • Just as some languages have a "be" for permanent states (which are essential) and a different "be" for temporary states (which are incidental), some languages have a "have" for unchangeable possession (which is inalienable) and a different "have" for changeable possession (which is alienable).