isolation

noun

iso·​la·​tion ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce isolation (audio)
 also  ˌi-
: the action of isolating : the condition of being isolated
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Playing together helps children learn to forge connections with others Online kindergarten could not solve the problem of isolation. Unicef Usa, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025 The novel, recently adapted into a film starring Glenn Close, encapsulates Jansson’s love of rugged isolation. Patrick Sauer, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025 Social isolation, depression, and lack of physical activity are each risk factors for dementia. Brian Mastroianni, Health, 27 June 2025 Motion isolation is a term used to describe how well a mattress manages to not transfer movement or shaking across the bed, usually from one person to another. Julia Forbes, Wired News, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for isolation

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of isolation was in 1833

Cite this Entry

“Isolation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/isolation. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

isolation

noun
iso·​la·​tion ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce isolation (audio)
 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 How to pronounce isolation (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on isolation

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