Quarantine: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.