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

When the surgeon general issued a 2023 warning on the epidemic of loneliness and social isolation, one fact stood out: People between the ages of 15-24 spend 70% less time in person with friends than those of the same age did in 2003. —Katia Riddle, NPR, 30 Nov. 2024

On top of it all, the isolation of remote work, despite the benefits and joys of working from home, weighs heavily on many who are experiencing extreme loneliness and dwindling motivation. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024

Establishing ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia is viewed as the crown jewel of diplomatic efforts to reshape the Middle East, that would end isolation of Israel among Sunni-Muslim countries and deepen cooperation of a security group intent on pushing back against Iran. —Laura Kelly, The Hill, 27 Nov. 2024

Cultivate a Cross-Disciplinary Mindset Futurists rarely work in isolation. —Robert B. Tucker, Forbes, 25 Nov. 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