Reclusion: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone withdraws from society, often to lead a life of solitary contemplation. It generally implies a voluntary decision to live away from others.

• After the scandal, he chose reclusion in the mountains to reflect on his life

Implies deliberate withdrawal for personal peace, privacy, or safety. It suggests being in a place where one is hidden or removed from disturbances.

• She enjoyed the seclusion of her garden, where she could read without interruptions

Refers to the state of being separated from others, which can be voluntary or involuntary. It often indicates a broader sense of being cut off physically or emotionally.

• The patient's isolation in the hospital room helped prevent the spread of the infection

Describes a state of being alone without being lonely. It often has a positive connotation, indicating peacefulness and personal reflection.

• He found solace in solitude, walking along the quiet beach at dawn

Reclusion is often used when someone lives in isolation from society for an extended period, usually voluntarily, and it can be related to a lifestyle or a state of being. It implies a purposeful separation and can have a somewhat formal tone.

• After his wife's death, he lived in reclusion for years.
• The famous author chose a life of reclusion to focus on his writing.

Withdrawal typically indicates a retreat or pullback from engagement, whether physically, emotionally, or socially. It can often have negative connotations, suggesting reluctance or distress, and may be used in contexts involving addiction or social interaction.

• His withdrawal from social activities worried his friends.
• The patient's withdrawal symptoms were challenging to manage.

Retreat generally refers to a temporary period of withdrawal from everyday activities, often for rest, reflection, or spiritual reasons. It can be both voluntary and scheduled, and usually, there is an intent to return to normal life afterwards.

• She went to a mountain retreat to find peace and quiet.
• After the stressful week, he decided to take a retreat to a meditation center.

Seclusion often refers to a situation where a person is hidden away and isolated from others. It can also be used when someone is kept away from society, whether by choice or force, and it can have a slightly negative or secretive connotation.

• The prisoner was held in seclusion for days without contact with anyone.
• She enjoyed the seclusion of her cottage in the woods.