Definition of sequester
sequestered
;sequestering
play \-t(ə-)riŋ\transitive verb
1a : to set apart : segregate sequester a juryb : seclude, withdraw widely spaced homes are forbiddingly grand and sequestered — Don Asher
2a : to seize especially by a writ of sequestrationb : to place (property) in custody especially in sequestration
3 : to bind (a metal or metal ion) in the form of a soluble complex or chelate by adding a suitable reagent for the purpose of preventing precipitation in water solution by chemical agents that would normally bring it about, of solubilizing precipitates already formed, or of otherwise suppressing undesired chemical or biological activity sequester calcium and magnesium ions in the softening of hard water; also : to bind or absorb (carbon dioxide) as part of a larger chemical process or compound … half of the starting material will be used up and half will be char. That can then be put back on the fields, where it will sequester carbon and help grow the next crop. — Emma Marris
From the M-W Editors
Examples of sequester in a Sentence
The jury was sequestered until a verdict was reached.
He was sequestered in his room.
Origin and Etymology of sequester
Middle English sequestren, from Anglo-French sequestrer, from Latin sequestrare to hand over to a trustee, from sequester third party to whom disputed property is entrusted, agent, from secus beside, otherwise; akin to Latin sequi to follow
Other Legal Terms
sequester
Definition of sequester
1 obsolete : separation, isolation
2 : the imposition of automatic government spending reductions in accordance with sequestration
First Known Use of sequester
1604
SEQUESTER Defined for English Language Learners
sequester
playDefinition of sequester for English Language Learners
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: to keep (a person or group) apart from other people
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law : to take (property) until a debt has been paid
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of sequester
: to hold (as a metallic ion) in solution especially for the purpose of suppressing undesired chemical or biological activity
Law Dictionary
Legal Definition of sequester
sequestered
sequestering
1 : to place (as a jury or witness) in seclusion or isolation Editor's note: Juries are sequestered in order to preserve their impartiality. Witnesses are sequestered so that their testimony is not influenced by the testimony of prior witnesses.
2a : to seize especially by a writ of sequestration b : to deposit (property) in sequestration
Origin and Etymology of sequester
Anglo-French sequestrer, from Middle French, from Latin sequestrare to hand over to a trustee, from sequester third party to whom disputed property is entrusted, agent, from secus beside, otherwise
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See words that rhyme with sequester Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sequester Spanish Central: Translation of sequester Nglish: Translation of sequester for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of sequester for Arabic speakers
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