self-isolate

verb

self-iso·​late ˌself-ˈī-sə-ˌlāt How to pronounce self-isolate (audio)
 also  -ˈi-
self-isolated; self-isolating; self-isolates

transitive + intransitive

: to isolate or separate oneself or itself from others
Feelings of shame and a tendency to self-isolate in order to hide the behaviors can result in loss of social support.Alex Gitterman
My husband and I are both 85 and have heart problems, so even before the new orders we were self-isolating to avoid getting or passing on coronavirus.Louise Cate
Government officials said that public gatherings must be restricted to two people … . Those over 70 should self-isolate themselves.Lidia Kelly
self-isolated people/countries

Examples of self-isolate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Strange experiences prompt you to self-isolate as the moon clashes with Neptune. USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024 Biden returned to his home in Delaware to self-isolate. Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 22 July 2024 Tom Brenner | Reuters Biden, who is currently self-isolating in Delaware after testing positive for Covid-19 Wednesday, has persistently rejected calls to drop out. Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 18 July 2024 On your radar Biden’s schedule has been cleared since he was diagnosed with COVID-19 and is self-isolating in Delaware. Keely Bastow, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 July 2024 The president plans to self-isolate in line with CDC guidance. Alexandra Banner, CNN, 18 July 2024 Biden was supposed to speak at the UnidosUS conference Wednesday night, but Jean-Pierre said the President would return to his home state of Delaware to self-isolate and continue his duties. Chantelle Lee, TIME, 18 July 2024 In a statement, the White House said Biden is experiencing mild symptoms and plans to self-isolate at his home in Rehoboth, Del., while continuing to work. Fenit Nirappil, Washington Post, 18 July 2024 Wimbledon 2021 saw Princess Kate miss games due to COVID scare In 2021, the first games post-COVID, the Princess of Wales missed a portion of Wimbledon after coming in contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 and self-isolating. Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 1 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-isolate was in 1925

Dictionary Entries Near self-isolate

Cite this Entry

“Self-isolate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-isolate. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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