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

• solitude
• privacy
• isolation

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

Set on 400 acres and more than two miles of uninterrupted beach frontage, the property is designed to offer seclusion and personalized service, with 36 bedrooms in 17 bungalow cottages, as well as real estate offerings and several world-class restaurants, including Nobu. —Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

The Tokugawa shogunate, from 1603 to 1868, long upheld a policy of national seclusion, sealing Japan’s borders and culture from outside influence. —Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025

Across the country, concern has arisen over improper uses of restraint and seclusion causing physical and mental harm — and sometimes even death — to students. —IndyStar, 8 Sep. 2025

The film follows Misty Jones (Chastain), a former country star who comes out of seclusion to investigate the disappearance of her missing niece (Faith), herself a rising country musician. —Justin Kroll, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025

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

Rhymes for seclusion

• allusion
• collusion
• conclusion
• confusion
• contusion
• delusion
• diffusion
• effusion
• exclusion
• extrusion
• illusion
• inclusion

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