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

British Army paratroopers parachute with medical supplies and clinicians down to Tristan da Cunha, the remote British island territory in the South Atlantic where a man who was a former passenger on the ship remains in isolation after developing symptoms of the virus. —Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

The overall work has driven innovations in PTSD treatment, unique needs of women veterans, insomnia, racial disparities in mental health treatment, isolation and trauma, connecting civilians to military community and veteran leadership and continuing service. —Thr Staff, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026

Viloria said that the isolation has led to kids not getting to school, parents getting sick and an uptick in domestic violence. —Amna Subhan For The Ajc, AJC.com, 11 June 2026

Although necessary to ensure total isolation from hazardous environments, the process can consume valuable time during an emergency. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 11 June 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