self-exile

[ self-eg-zahyl, -ek-sahyl, self- ]

noun

1. a state of exile imposed by oneself.
2. a person who lives voluntarily as an exile.

Other Words From

• self-exiled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-exile¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

However, the most high-profile and controversial beneficiary is Carles Puigdemont, the former president of Catalonia who led the 2017 secession drive before going into self-exile in Belgium, where he has resided ever since while evading extradition.

From BBC

Many activists were arrested, silenced or forced into self-exile.

From Seattle Times

Many activists were arrested, silenced or forced into self-exile.

From Seattle Times

He went into self-exile in Jordan before returning and founding the Gerindra Party in early 2008.

From Seattle Times

He has been in custody in a high-security London prison since 2019, and previously spent seven years in self-exile in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London.

From Seattle Times