Seclude: meaning, definitions and examples

🏡
Add to dictionary

seclude

 

[ sɪˈkluːd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

social isolation

To seclude means to keep someone or something away from others. This action often implies removing an individual from social interactions or public view. Seclusion can occur voluntarily, as when a person seeks solitude for reflection. Alternatively, it may happen involuntarily, such as being isolated due to societal reasons. This term is commonly used in psychological contexts, where seclusion is utilized as a method for emotional or mental recovery.

Synonyms

isolate, remove, separate.

Examples of usage

  • The writer chose to seclude herself in a cabin to finish her novel.
  • During the retreat, participants were asked to seclude themselves for meditation.
  • Parents sometimes seclude their children to protect them from negative influences.

Translations

Translations of the word "seclude" in other languages:

🇵🇹 isolar

🇮🇳 अलग करना

🇩🇪 abgeschieden

🇮🇩 menyendiri

🇺🇦 усунути

🇵🇱 odizolować

🇯🇵 隔離する

🇫🇷 isoler

🇪🇸 aislar

🇹🇷 yalıtmak

🇰🇷 고립시키다

🇸🇦 عزل

🇨🇿 izolovat

🇸🇰 izolovať

🇨🇳 隔离

🇸🇮 izolirati

🇮🇸 einangra

🇰🇿 оқшаулау

🇬🇪 იზოლაცია

🇦🇿 izolyasiya etmək

🇲🇽 aislar

Etymology

The word 'seclude' derives from the Latin term 'secludere', which means 'to shut off' or 'to separate.' This Latin root is formed from 'se-', meaning 'apart', and 'claudere', meaning 'to close.' The term evolved into Middle English in the 14th century, and it retained its meaning of being set apart or isolated. Over the centuries, 'seclude' has maintained a strong association with both physical and emotional separation. Its usage has expanded into various contexts, such as psychology, literature, and general conversation, often suggesting a voluntary choice to withdraw from society for contemplation or recovery.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,315, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.