isolation

noun

iso·​la·​tion ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shən 

also ˌi-

: the action of isolating : the condition of being isolated

Synonyms of isolation

• solitude
• privacy
• loneliness

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 monster in the Ed Gein one is isolation and quiet, so your mind can start playing tricks on you, whereas this is so loud. — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026

The garage has been converted into a medical and isolation ward equipped with incubators, oxygen machines, and supplies for treating wounds and administering fluids. — Meg Dunn, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026

In a brief conversation with Variety after the show, Aitken said that, broadly speaking, the installation was a reflection of the isolation and dissocations people can feel in modern society. — Jem Aswad, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026

International institutions, many European governments, and public opinion around the world have increased pressure on Israel, and its isolation has deepened. — Nadia Schadlow, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2026

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