self-isolate
/ˌsɛlf ˈaɪsəleɪt/verb★Intermediate
🏥Medicine
formal
to stay away from other people to prevent the spread of a contagious disease
After testing positive, she had to self-isolate at home.
After receiving a positive test result, she was required to stay away from others at home.
💡
Commonly used during pandemics or outbreaks of infectious diseases.
Collocations
self-isolate at hometo stay at home away from othersself-isolate for two weeksto stay away from others for a specified period
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
social distancingphrase
keeping physical distance from others
lockdownphrase
a strict restriction of movement
💡Pro Tip
Usage in Context
Use 'self-isolate' when referring to voluntary or mandated separation from others to prevent disease transmission.
⚡Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal
While 'self-isolate' is formal, 'quarantine' is also acceptable in both formal and informal contexts.
📖Word Origin
From 'self' (referring to oneself) + 'isolate' (to separate from others). Popularized during the COVID-19 pandemic.
📝Usage Notes
Often used in public health guidelines and government advisories.
Word Breakdown
self
referring to oneself
rootisolate
to separate from others
rootEnglish Dictionary