seclude

verb

se·​clude si-ˈklüd How to pronounce seclude (audio)
secluded; secluding

transitive verb

1
obsolete : to exclude from a privilege, rank, or dignity : debar
2
: to remove or separate from intercourse or outside influence : isolate
3

Examples of seclude in a Sentence

He secluded himself in his room to study for the exam. the patients will be secluded until they are no longer contagious
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.
The cardinals will seclude themselves in the Sistine Chapel, cut off from external contact, and swear an oath of secrecy to maintain the integrity of the process. Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025 Sometimes when this happens, school staff seclude her. Dylan Peers McCoy, NPR, 16 Apr. 2025 Photo : Andrew Pogue The home is secluded in a dense forest near the water. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2025 The online reports were required to include a host of data ranging from chronic absenteeism rates to the number of students handcuffed to the number of students restrained or secluded. Melanie Asmar, The Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for seclude

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, to cut off (from), from Latin secludere to separate, seclude, from se- apart + claudere to close — more at secede, close entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of seclude was circa 1533

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Cite this Entry

“Seclude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seclude. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

seclude

verb
se·​clude si-ˈklüd How to pronounce seclude (audio)
secluded; secluding
1
: to keep away from others : secrete, hide
secluded themselves
2
: to shut away : screen, isolate
a cottage secluded by forests

More from Merriam-Webster on seclude

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