isolation

noun

iso·​la·​tion ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shən 

 also  ˌi-

: the action of isolating : the condition of being isolated

Synonyms

• aloneness
• insulation
• privacy
• secludedness
• seclusion
• segregation
• separateness
• sequestration
• solitariness
• solitude

Choose the Right Synonym for isolation

solitude, isolation, seclusion mean the state of one who is alone.

solitude may imply a condition of being apart from all human beings or of being cut off by wish or circumstances from one's usual associates.

a few quiet hours of solitude

isolation stresses detachment from others often involuntarily.

the isolation of the village in winter

seclusion suggests a shutting away or keeping apart from others often connoting deliberate withdrawal from the world or retirement to a quiet life.

lived in pastoral seclusion

Examples of isolation in a Sentence

the isolation of the mountain community

after the long book tour, the author looked forward to the isolation of his office

Recent Examples on the Web

Motion Isolation Latex is not known for its motion isolation, but some mattresses do a better job of it than others during testing (sometimes due to a foam base rather than coils). —Ashley Zlatopolsky, Architectural Digest, 25 Oct. 2024

As a result, many turn to drugs and alcohol as an escape from the relentless demands and isolation that come with stardom. —Will Ripley, CNN, 24 Oct. 2024

Saniya is managing an upcoming pickleball tournament in collaboration with Arizona State University Pickleball to educate her peers on the importance of exercising, limiting social isolation and making exercise fun! —Marcus Reichley, The Arizona Republic, 21 Oct. 2024

Now, in the third season of this outstanding series, Sam finally settles into her tiny community and tries to navigate change without retreating into old habits of isolation and self-loathing. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 20 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing isolation

• in isolation
• reproductive isolation
• self-isolation

Kids Definition

isolation

noun

iso·​la·​tion ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shən 

 also  ˌis-ə-

1

: the act of isolating : the condition of being isolated

2

: separation of a population of living things from related forms in such a manner as to prevent crossbreeding

Medical Definition

isolation

noun

iso·​la·​tion ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the action of isolating or condition of being isolated

isolation of a virus

put the patient in isolation

2

: a segregation of a group of organisms from related forms in such a manner as to prevent crossing

3

: a psychological defense mechanism consisting of the separating of ideas or memories from the emotions connected with them