1. Meaning of the Word:
“Isolation” refers to the state of being separated from others or the process of being set apart. It can describe physical separation, emotional detachment, or the condition of being alone, often with a sense of confinement or restriction.
2. Definitions and Meaning in English:
- Isolation (noun):
- The condition of being separated or detached from others.
- The act of being alone or in a place where there are few or no people.
- A state of being free from contact or interaction with others.
- In some contexts, isolation can refer to the separation of something or someone for safety or health reasons.
3. History and Origin:
The word “isolation” comes from the Latin word insulatus, meaning “made into an island,” derived from insula (meaning “island”). It first appeared in English in the 17th century, originally referring to the process of making someone or something isolated, like separating them onto an island, later extending to general social or emotional separations.
4. Detailed Explanation:
“Isolation” can be understood in several contexts:
- Physical Isolation: Refers to a physical state of being alone or separated from others, such as being kept in a solitary room or remote area.
- Social Isolation: Refers to the lack of social contact or interaction with others, which can lead to feelings of loneliness or alienation.
- Emotional Isolation: A psychological state where a person feels disconnected from others, even if they are surrounded by people.
- Medical or Quarantine Isolation: Refers to separating a person who may be contagious to protect others from disease. This form of isolation is commonly used during outbreaks or illnesses.
While isolation can be voluntary, such as choosing solitude for reflection or peace, it can also be involuntary, leading to feelings of loneliness, depression, or mental health concerns.
5. Example Sentences:
- During the pandemic, many people experienced isolation due to quarantine measures.
- After the argument, he felt a deep sense of isolation from his friends.
- The scientist worked in isolation in the lab, focused on his research.
- Social isolation can have serious effects on mental health if experienced over long periods.
- The island was isolated from the mainland, accessible only by boat.
- The prisoner was placed in isolation for his disruptive behavior.
- She sought isolation in the mountains to escape the stresses of city life.
- Isolation during recovery allowed him to rest and heal without distractions.
- His emotional isolation made it difficult to connect with others at work.
6. Synonyms with Short Explanation:
- Solitude – The state of being alone, often willingly, similar to isolation but without the negative connotation.
- Seclusion – The act of keeping oneself apart from others, often for privacy or peacefulness, similar to isolation.
- Aloneness – The condition of being by oneself, highlighting the absence of others.
- Loneliness – A feeling of sadness or longing due to being isolated, focusing more on the emotional aspect of isolation.
- Quarantine – A form of isolation, particularly used to describe separating individuals to prevent the spread of disease.
7. Related Words with Short Explanation:
- Exclusion – The act of excluding someone from a group or activity, related to social isolation.
- Alienation – The feeling of being isolated or estranged from others, often used in psychological contexts.
- Withdrawal – The act of retreating or pulling back from social interaction, which can lead to isolation.
- Sequester – To isolate or set apart, often used in legal or scientific contexts.
- Desertion – The act of abandoning someone or something, often leading to feelings of isolation.
8. More Matches with Short Explanation:
- Isolationism – A policy or belief in avoiding interaction with other countries, often related to political isolation.
- Solitary confinement – A form of imprisonment where an individual is isolated from all others, often used as a punishment.
- Social distancing – A public health practice that can lead to physical isolation to prevent the spread of disease.
- Self-isolation – The act of isolating oneself from others, often due to illness or personal choice.
- Retreat – A place or period of seclusion for relaxation or reflection, often associated with voluntary isolation.
9. Antonyms:
- Socialization – The process of interacting and forming relationships with others, the opposite of isolation.
- Connection – The state of being linked or associated with others, contrary to being isolated.
- Engagement – Active involvement with people or activities, opposite of being isolated.
- Togetherness – The state of being with others, often used to counteract feelings of isolation.
- Integration – The process of incorporating someone into a group or community, opposite of being isolated or excluded.