segregation

noun

seg·​re·​ga·​tion ˌse-gri-ˈgā-shən 

1

: the act or process of segregating : the state of being segregated

2

a

: the separation or isolation of a race, class, or ethnic group by enforced or voluntary residence in a restricted area, by barriers to social intercourse, by separate educational facilities, or by other discriminatory means

b

: the separation for special treatment or observation of individuals or items from a larger group

segregation of gifted children into accelerated classes

3

: the separation of allelic genes that occurs typically during meiosis

Synonyms

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

Examples of segregation in a Sentence

They fought to end the segregation of public schools.

the segregation of men and women

Recent Examples on the Web

Yes, but: Black Americans and Mexican Americans were kept out of high-paying jobs and couldn't move to new suburbs because of racial segregation. —Russell Contreras, Axios, 2 Nov. 2024

These large zones — as opposed to smaller neighborhood zones for a single school — could help create equity and break down racial and socio-economic segregation in this district. —The Denver Post Editorial Board, The Denver Post, 2 Nov. 2024

This idealized notion of fragile Southern womanhood was used to justify the Jim Crow system of segregation for decades. —Elizabeth Friend, Longreads, 29 Oct. 2024

The structural impacts of segregation, Harris said, have affected more than where people live. —La Risa R. Lynch, Journal Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing segregation

• anti-segregation
• law of segregation

Kids Definition

segregation

noun

seg·​re·​ga·​tion ˌseg-ri-ˈgā-shən 

1

: the act or process of segregating : the state of being segregated

2

: the separation or isolation of a race, class, or group (as by restriction to an area or by separate schools)

Medical Definition

segregation

noun

seg·​re·​ga·​tion ˌseg-ri-ˈgā-shən 

: the separation of allelic genes that occurs typically during meiosis

Legal Definition

segregation

noun

seg·​re·​ga·​tion ˌse-gri-ˈgā-shən 

1

: separation of individuals or groups and especially racial groups compare desegregation

— de facto segregation

: segregation of racial groups that arises as a result of economic, social, or other factors rather than by operation or enforcement of laws or other official state action

— de jure segregation

: segregation intended or mandated by law or otherwise intentionally arising from state action

Note: De jure segregation is illegal.

2

: separate confinement of prisoners within a penal institution