isolation

[ ahy-suh-ley-shuhn, is-uh- ]

noun

1. an act or instance of isolating. isolating.
2. the state of being isolated. isolated.
3. the complete separation from others of a person suffering from contagious or infectious disease; quarantine.

   Synonyms: segregation

4. the separation of a nation from other nations by isolationism.
5. Psychoanalysis. a process whereby an idea or memory is divested of its emotional component.
6. Sociology. social isolation.

Other Words From

• anti-iso·lation adjective
• posti·so·lation adjective
• rei·so·lation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of isolation¹

First recorded in 1825–35; isolate + -ion

Synonym Study

See solitude.

Example Sentences

He told Fox News it was a "Pandora's box" because Putin's isolation would increase the pressure on him.

From BBC

Using Extension services to connect the women to lessen their feelings of isolation could also improve quality of life among this population.

From Science Daily

It is vital that trans people, a demographic who are disproportionately affected by social isolation and poor physical and mental health, are able to access football like anyone else.

From BBC

The Florentine Renaissance artist, engineer and polymath made the most famous picture of all time, a painted poplar panel that hangs in virtual isolation in the Salle des États at Paris’ Louvre Museum.

From Los Angeles Times

“I had a lot of anger, sadness and isolation, but I’d just internalize and go to the gym or go out running,” said Decter.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• confinement
• desolation
• remoteness
• segregation
• solitude