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

Surviving extended time in space by years, or even human generations, will be necessary for longer term missions to Mars and beyond, and astronauts will need to become more comfortable with spending time in isolation.

From Salon

“The isolation and mutual dependency…provided a culture within which unusual and harmful behaviours could develop,” the judge wrote.

From BBC

The researchers say the findings underscore the need for peacebuilding and efforts to limit climate change in risk-prone regions to be designed to work together, and not in isolation.

From Science Daily

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

Related Words

• confinement
• desolation
• remoteness
• segregation
• solitude