CS2 molecules are spatially aligned upon irradiation by intense (1-100 TW cm(-2)), 35 ps pulses of 512 nm or 355 nm light. When both colours are simultaneously present, spatial alignment disappears. We draw analogy with weak-field illumination of an atom by two colours wherein EIT (electromagnetically induced transparency) inhibits absorption by virtue of dipoles not being induced in two-colour fields. In the strong-field scenario, molecular alignment is a consequence of a dipole being induced in the direction of the applied electric field. It follows, therefore, that when dipoles are not induced, no spatial alignment is to be expected. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.