isolation

American  

[ahy-suh-ley-shuhn, is-uh-] / ˌaɪ səˈleɪ ʃən, ˌɪs ə- /

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.

---

isolation British  

/ ˌaɪsəˈleɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of isolating or the condition of being isolated

2. (of a country, party, etc) nonparticipation in or withdrawal from international politics

3. med

   1. social separation of a person who has or is suspected of having a contagious disease Compare quarantine

   2. ( as modifier )

      an isolation hospital

4. sociol a lack of contact between persons, groups, or whole societies

5. social psychol the failure of an individual to maintain contact with others or genuine communication where interaction with others persists

6. without regard to context, similar matters, etc

---

Related Words

See solitude.

Other Word Forms

• anti-isolation adjective
• postisolation adjective
• reisolation noun

Etymology

Origin of isolation

First recorded in 1825–35; isolate + -ion

Explanation

Isolation means completely alone, like the stranded skiers who were in total isolation after an avalanche stranded them at the top of a mountain. People who live in isolation are completely cut off from the rest of the world, like the hermit who lives in a lonely mountain cabin because no one understands his desire to collect thimbles. A really contagious illness can land patients in isolation at their local hospital, kept separate from the rest of the hospital so they don't share their disease with the other patients. A country can exist in isolation, left alone because other nations don't agree with its policies.

Example Sentences

"We have a tendency to look at things in isolation," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Artemis II astronauts expressed awe on Saturday over their record-setting lunar flyby mission, urging unity on Earth after witnessing the planet's isolation like a "lifeboat" in space.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

In isolation, Howard’s statement does support the challengers’ understanding.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Many current DNA robot designs are still relatively simple and operate in isolation, limiting their usefulness in complex real-world environments.

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

The isolation of the bayou, while inconvenient, made the Warden feel safe from big-city dangers.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Related Words

• confinement
• desolation
• remoteness
• segregation
• solitude