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

Due to racial segregation, Black soldiers had only two options for entertainment venues close to Camp Robinson: Washington Avenue in North Little Rock and West Ninth Street in downtown Little Rock. —Helaine Williams, arkansasonline.com, 14 Dec. 2024

The specialized high schools, known as crown jewels of the city’s school system, have failed to admit a diverse group of students and been seen as a symbol of school segregation. —Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 12 Dec. 2024

The demolitions have a significant effect on women, who are particularly vulnerable after eviction, especially with the Taliban’s regime of segregation and subjugation of women and girls in Afghanistan. —Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

Permitting multi-family housing in historically exclusive neighborhoods is key to reversing the legacy of residential segregation. —Rigel Robinson, The Mercury News, 7 Dec. 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