isolation

noun

iso·​la·​tion ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shən 

 also  ˌi-

: the action of isolating : the condition of being isolated

Synonyms

• aloneness
• insulation
• privacy
• secludedness
• seclusion
• segregation
• separateness
• sequestration
• solitariness
• solitude

Choose the Right Synonym for isolation

solitude, isolation, seclusion mean the state of one who is alone.

solitude may imply a condition of being apart from all human beings or of being cut off by wish or circumstances from one's usual associates.

a few quiet hours of solitude

isolation stresses detachment from others often involuntarily.

the isolation of the village in winter

seclusion suggests a shutting away or keeping apart from others often connoting deliberate withdrawal from the world or retirement to a quiet life.

lived in pastoral seclusion

Examples of isolation in a Sentence

the isolation of the mountain community

after the long book tour, the author looked forward to the isolation of his office

Recent Examples on the Web

The very purpose of hearing aids is to help users stay connected and engaged, yet this design flaw forces them into isolation at the worst possible moments. —Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

The talks in Istanbul signal a potential thaw in diplomatic ties, as U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump diverges from the Biden administration's stance, which emphasized sanctions and diplomatic isolation of Russia. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025

National fame and travel opportunities accrue to a Kirov dancer, while anonymity and isolation await the sister left behind – or at least that’s what each one thinks. —April Austin, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Feb. 2025

The big picture: Overdose deaths seem to be falling across the country as pandemic-era isolation ebbs and access to life-saving medications like Naloxone grows. —Alex Fitzpatrick, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing isolation

• in isolation
• reproductive isolation
• self-isolation

Rhymes for isolation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

isolation

noun

iso·​la·​tion ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shən 

 also  ˌis-ə-

1

: the act of isolating : the condition of being isolated

2

: separation of a population of living things from related forms in such a manner as to prevent crossbreeding

Medical Definition

isolation

noun

iso·​la·​tion ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the action of isolating or condition of being isolated

isolation of a virus

put the patient in isolation

2

: a segregation of a group of organisms from related forms in such a manner as to prevent crossing

3

: a psychological defense mechanism consisting of the separating of ideas or memories from the emotions connected with them