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

The film follows a Bedouin family whose members are forced by its patriarch to live in isolation in the desert due to fear of an infectious disease during the 1990s when Saudi was starting to open up to the outside world. —Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024

Social isolation can increase depression, illness and even fatalities, according to the CDC. —Jamie Gold, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

With a chopper, nothing is out of reach – and for the intrepid explorer yearning for true isolation, this is the stuff of dreams. —Shaun Stanley, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2024

Over-ear headphones, by contrast, typically offer better passive noise isolation, meaning fit becomes less critical in blocking out ambient noise. —Jordana Comiter, People.com, 4 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