seclusion

noun

se·​clu·​sion si-ˈklü-zhən 

1

: the act of secluding : the condition of being secluded

2

: a secluded or isolated place

seclusive

si-ˈklü-siv 

-ziv

adjective

seclusively adverb

seclusiveness noun

Did you know?

With its prefix se-, "apart", seclusion has the basic meaning of a place or condition that's "closed away". A lone island may be secluded, and its seclusion might be what its owner prizes most about it. Presidents and their staffs may go into seclusion before making critical decisions. Monastery life is purposely secluded, and monks may have taken vows to live lives of seclusion. The deadly brown recluse spider prefers seclusion but is sometimes disturbed by very unlucky people.

Synonyms

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

Choose the Right Synonym for seclusion

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 seclusion in a Sentence

the seclusion of women that occurs in some countries

I enjoyed the seclusion of the island.

Recent Examples on the Web

Escape to the Beachfront Gazebo for the ultimate in seclusion and luxury. —Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024

For those seeking true desert-island seclusion, the Royal Davui Island Resort is a minuscule adults-only retreat in the glorious Yasawas island chain that keeps a limit at 32 guests for its bungalows and villas with open-air showers, sleeping pavilions and private plunge pools. —David Hochman, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024

Guests of the hotel can relish the seclusion of their private infinity pools and outdoor baths or venture to the vibrant waterfront lounge for a drink and a swim. —Eliseé Browchuk, Vogue, 5 Aug. 2024

School districts with these specialized programs also have some of the highest numbers of instances of restraint and seclusion of students with disabilities, according to the data — practices parents and advocates say are harmful. —Lily Altavena, Detroit Free Press, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin seclusion-, seclusio, from Latin secludere

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing seclusion

• in seclusion

Kids Definition

seclusion

noun

se·​clu·​sion si-ˈklü-zhən 

1

: the act of secluding : the state of being secluded

2

: a secluded place

seclusive

-siv 

-ziv

adjective

seclusively adverb

seclusiveness noun