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Quarantine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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quarantine

[หˆkwษ’rษ™ntiหn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

during a pandemic

A state, period, or place of isolation in which people or animals that have arrived from elsewhere or been exposed to infectious or contagious disease are placed.

Synonyms

isolation, lockdown, seclusion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
quarantine

Used when people or animals are kept away from others to prevent the spread of disease. Often applies to health-related situations involving contagious diseases.

  • During the outbreak, the hospital put new patients in quarantine to prevent the virus from spreading.
  • The family had to stay in quarantine for two weeks after traveling abroad.
isolation

Refers to the separation of a person or group to prevent contact with others, often due to illness or infection. Can be used in both medical and social contexts.

  • She opted for isolation after testing positive for the flu.
  • Prisoners in solitary confinement experience extreme isolation.
seclusion

Indicates a state of being private and away from others. Often used to describe a voluntary choice for solitude, rather than a forced separation.

  • He enjoyed the seclusion of the cabin in the woods.
  • After her retirement, she preferred the seclusion of her countryside home.
lockdown

Describes a situation where movement is restricted within an area to ensure safety or security. Commonly used during emergencies, such as natural disasters or pandemic outbreaks.

  • The city went into lockdown due to the rise in COVID-19 cases.
  • Schools initiated a lockdown procedure when the intruder was reported on campus.

Examples of usage

  • Many countries imposed quarantine measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • People returning from abroad were required to undergo a 14-day quarantine period.
Context #2 | Verb

during a pandemic

Imposing a strict isolation on someone, with the aim of preventing the spread of disease.

Synonyms

isolate, isolate, segregate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
quarantine

Used when someone or something is kept apart from others to prevent the spread of disease. This term is often used in public health contexts.

  • The doctor said I need to quarantine for 14 days after traveling.
  • During the outbreak, the entire neighborhood was placed under quarantine.
isolate

Used in both medical and non-medical contexts to describe separating someone or something from others. It can refer to physical separation or emotional and social separation.

  • Scientists were able to isolate the bacteria causing the illness.
  • He felt very lonely after he started to isolate himself from his friends.
segregate

Primarily used to describe the act of separating groups often based on characteristics such as race, gender, or religion. This word generally has negative connotations.

  • The law was established to prevent schools from segregating students based on race.
  • Historically, many facilities were segregated, sparking major civil rights movements.

Examples of usage

  • The government quarantined all individuals who had come into contact with the infected person.
  • The passengers of the flight were immediately quarantined upon arrival.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Public Health

  • Quarantine helps prevent the spread of diseases, especially during outbreaks, by isolating infected individuals or those who may have been exposed.
  • Modern public health guidelines now include multiple forms of quarantine, such as self-isolation at home or designated quarantine facilities.

Historical Context

  • During the Black Death in the 14th century, cities implemented strict quarantine measures to control the plagueโ€™s spread, including closing city gates to incoming travelers.
  • In 1918, during the Spanish Flu pandemic, various cities across the world enforced quarantines to try and limit the spread of the virus among populations.

Cultural References

  • Quarantine has been depicted in various films and literature as a dramatic setting, often creating tension and exploring themes of isolation.
  • In recent times, quarantine became a common theme globally due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reshaping how communities interact and socialize.

Psychological Effects

  • Many people experience feelings of loneliness and anxiety while in quarantine, reflecting the psychological impact of isolation.
  • Studies indicate that prolonged periods of quarantine can lead to stress disorders, highlighting the need for mental health support during such times.

Origin of 'quarantine'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originated from the Italian 'quaranta giorni', meaning 'forty days', which was the period ships had to wait in isolation during the Black Death.
  • The word evolved in the 17th century, initially used to describe the isolation of travelers suspected of carrying plague.

The word 'quarantine' originates from the Italian words 'quaranta giorni' which mean 'forty days'. It was first used during the Black Death in the 14th century when ships suspected of carrying the plague were kept isolated for 40 days. Over the centuries, the concept of quarantine evolved to become a crucial public health measure during epidemics and pandemics.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,163, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.