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.

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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

Example Sentences

They added that any complaint against a candidate would be judged in isolation.

From BBC

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

From Science Daily

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

From The Wall Street Journal

Nonetheless, the organization’s 80 acres are home to a variety of artist residencies, which use the windswept isolation of the desert to activate dormant ideas.

From Los Angeles Times

He also emphasised the training Iraqi experts receive from foreigners, vital after years of isolation and war.

From Barron's

Related Words

• confinement
• desolation
• remoteness
• segregation
• solitude