verb
isolate
To separate someone or something from others.
The nurse isolates patients with contagious illnesses from other patients.
Etymology
The source word means island-like or made into an island. To isolate something figuratively makes an island of it by separating it from its surroundings.
More examples
- Heavy snow isolates the mountain town each winter.
- She isolates herself from her friends when she feels overwhelmed.
- The scientist isolated one cell from the tissue sample.
Forms
isolate · isolates · isolated · isolating
isolation noun — The state of being separated from others.
Similar words
- separate
- Means keeping things apart without necessarily cutting off contact.
- quarantine
- Specifically restricts contact to prevent the spread of disease.
- seclude
- Emphasizes keeping someone apart for privacy or quiet.