self-isolation

noun

self-iso·​la·​tion ˌself-ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce self-isolation (audio)
 also  -ˌi-
: the act of isolating or separating oneself or itself from others
the country's policy of self-isolation
"Unfortunately, people with depression are notorious for self-isolation. They tend to retract from social connection, which is often the very thing they need in order to feel better," says Dr. [Pam] Garcy.PRWeb Newswire
Many high-level British officials are in self-isolation with coronavirus symptoms.Kim Hjelmgaard

Examples of self-isolation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Left unchecked, anger can manifest as an outburst and disappointment as self-isolation. Kevin Kruse, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024 The country’s self-isolation became ever more extreme. Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 19 Sep. 2017 Pummeled by a positive COVID test and a rapidly imploding re-election campaign, President Biden walked gingerly up the steps of Air Force One and retreated into self-isolation Wednesday night. Zachary Basu, Axios, 18 July 2024 Life This 103-year-old philosopher’s to-do list will get you through self-isolation Need to isolate? Big Think, 24 June 2024 The rulings come as authorities seek to burnish the city’s reputation as a destination for businesses and tourists after its image was dented by its pandemic self-isolation and political unrest. Siuming Ho / Bloomberg, TIME, 30 May 2024 Hoss will play Hanna, a doctor who, during the midst of an epidemic, goes into self-isolation in the mountain wilderness to protect herself and others. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2024 After three years of self-isolation by China, President Biden’s top aides are flying into Beijing throughout the summer to try to convince and cajole Chinese officials, including Xi Jinping, the nation’s leader, on building a new foundation for relations. Alan Rappeport, New York Times, 10 July 2023 But judging from Maartemami's experience, as well as child psychologists' and pediatricians' concerns about how little self-isolation is actually benefiting kids, calming corners and time off spaces might be a healthier way to go. Maressa Brown, Parents, 11 June 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-isolation was in 1834

Dictionary Entries Near self-isolation

Cite this Entry

“Self-isolation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-isolation. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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