isolation

noun

iso·​la·​tion ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce isolation (audio)
 also  ˌi-
: the action of isolating : the condition of being isolated
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Headspace extraction allows for the analysis and isolation of specific molecules so they can be dialled up or down accordingly. Stephanie Hirschmiller, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 The ideology driving that choice traps people in addiction, isolation, and despair. Michele Steeb, Oc Register, 13 June 2025 And that support is for the patient and their caregiver — because both can experience social isolation and distress after a diagnosis. Lydia McFarlane, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025 Morgan has delivered a TEDx talk on social isolation and loneliness, touching on the importance of the communal experience of cinema. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for isolation

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of isolation was in 1833

Cite this Entry

“Isolation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/isolation. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

isolation

noun
iso·​la·​tion ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce isolation (audio)
 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 How to pronounce isolation (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on isolation

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