isolation

/ˌaɪsəˈleɪʃən/
nounIntermediate
general

the state of being alone or separated from others

She felt a deep sense of isolation after moving to a new city.

This describes the emotional and social loneliness she experienced.

💡

Isolation can be physical (being alone) or social (feeling disconnected from others).

🏥Medicine
Medical

the act of separating something or someone from others for medical or safety reasons

The hospital placed the patient in isolation to prevent the spread of infection.

This means the patient was kept in a separate area to avoid contact with others.

💡

In medicine, isolation is often used to control contagious diseases.

psychological

the state of being detached or independent from external influences

The artist sought isolation to focus on her creative work.

This means she deliberately separated herself from distractions to concentrate.

💡

Psychological isolation can be voluntary or involuntary.

Collocations

social isolationthe state of being separated from social interactionsself-isolationchoosing to stay alone to avoid contact with othersquarantine isolationmandatory isolation to prevent disease spread

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

in isolationphrase
separately or independently
isolation tankphrase
a tank used for sensory deprivation

💡Pro Tip

Positive vs. Negative Isolation

Isolation can be beneficial for focus or creativity, but prolonged isolation can harm mental health.

Gold Rule

Medical Isolation

In healthcare, isolation is a critical measure to control infectious diseases.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'isolatio', from 'insula' (island), meaning to separate or set apart.

📝Usage Notes

Isolation can have both positive (focus, peace) and negative (loneliness, depression) connotations depending on context.

Word Breakdown

iso-
separate
prefix
+
-lation
the state or action of
suffix
English Dictionary