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 Word Forms

• anti-isolation adjective
• postisolation adjective
• reisolation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of isolation¹

First recorded in 1825–35; isolate + -ion

Synonym Study

See solitude.

Example Sentences

For example, programs and services can be provided to encourage older adults to engage in an active and healthy lifestyle, to manage chronic conditions, and to prevent social isolation.

Read more on Science Daily

Food insecurity rarely exists in isolation, McCarthy said.

Read more on Salon

In the words of bell hooks, “rarely if ever, are any of us healed in isolation.”

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Local charity, The Moselle Community Project, has organised the event to help combat social isolation.

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Vision and hearing services help prevent dementia and increase independent living, possibly by mitigating sensory deprivation, protecting cognitive energy and reducing social isolation.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• confinement 
• desolation 
• remoteness www.thesaurus.com
• segregation 
• solitude