isolation

[ ahy-suh-ley-shuhn, is-uh- ]

noun

1. an act or instance of isolating. isolating.
2. the state of being isolated. isolated.
3. the complete separation from others of a person suffering from contagious or infectious disease; quarantine.

   Synonyms: segregation

4. the separation of a nation from other nations by isolationism.
5. Psychoanalysis. a process whereby an idea or memory is divested of its emotional component.
6. Sociology. social isolation.

Other Words From

• anti-iso·lation adjective
• posti·so·lation adjective
• rei·so·lation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of isolation¹

First recorded in 1825–35; isolate + -ion

Synonym Study

See solitude.

Example Sentences

On some days, it seems like our culture is defined by isolation and self-interest, but the good will of nearly 80 million people, many of them serving their communities in retirement, tells another story.

From Los Angeles Times

A second test — one called a virus isolation test — needs to be done to confirm the sample is H5N1 and that it is active.

From Los Angeles Times

Currently the government's guidance says schools can place disruptive pupils in seclusion or isolation rooms for a limited period.

From BBC

Surviving extended time in space by years, or even human generations, will be necessary for longer term missions to Mars and beyond, and astronauts will need to become more comfortable with spending time in isolation.

From Salon

“The isolation and mutual dependency…provided a culture within which unusual and harmful behaviours could develop,” the judge wrote.

From BBC

Related Words

• confinement
• desolation
• remoteness
• segregation
• solitude