Sequester Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sequester
[sษชหkwษstษr ]
Definitions
legal context
To sequester means to isolate or hide away a person, object, or information. In legal terms, it may refer to taking possession of property until a debt is paid or a legal judgment is made. The term is often used in trials to protect a jury from outside influence by keeping them away from the public. Sequestering may also involve setting aside assets for safekeeping during legal proceedings.
Synonyms
isolate, seclude, segregate, set apart.
Examples of usage
- The judge decided to sequester the jury during the trial.
- Witnesses were sequestered to prevent outside influence.
- The government may sequester assets in fraud cases.
environmental context
In an environmental context, to sequester refers to the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases. This is a critical method for reducing the impact of climate change by preventing these gases from entering the atmosphere. Various techniques and technologies are employed to sequester carbon in forests, soils, or geological formations.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Scientists are working on new ways to sequester carbon more efficiently.
- Forests can naturally sequester large amounts of carbon.
- Carbon sequestration is essential for achieving climate targets.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Legal Contexts
- In legal terms, sequestering can refer to placing juries in isolation to avoid outside influences during a trial.
- Some courts may sequester assets to protect them from being dissipated during legal proceedings.
- It is often used in bankruptcy cases where certain assets are held separately until a resolution is found.
Environmental Science
- In ecology, sequestering carbon refers to the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide to combat climate change.
- Natural processes like photosynthesis play a crucial role in sequestering carbon in plants and soil.
- Artificial methods, like carbon capture and storage (CCS), are being researched to improve climate resilience.
Psychology
- The act of sequestering one's thoughts can be a coping mechanism for dealing with stress or trauma, allowing individuals to process emotions separately.
- People may consciously sequester fears or anxieties to help focus on positive outcomes.
- In therapy, techniques might involve helping individuals sequester negative feelings to explore them in a safer context.
Cultural References
- In literature and film, characters often find themselves sequestered in isolation, leading to significant personal growth or dramatic tension.
- The concept appears in various genres, from thrillers where characters hide from dangers to romance stories where lovers meet secretly.
- Cultural practices around retreats or self-imposed isolation speak to the desire for sequestering from everyday life to find clarity.
Origin of 'sequester'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'sequestrare', meaning 'to set aside' or 'to take possession of'.
- Originally, it had legal connotations, often referring to the act of taking someone's property until a debt was settled.
- Over time, its meaning expanded to include broader contexts like isolation or removal in various fields.
The word 'sequester' originates from the Latin word 'sequestrare,' which means 'to set aside' or 'to place apart.' This Latin term is derived from 'sequester,' which combines 'se-' (apart) and 'quaerere' (to seek). The term started appearing in English around the late 14th century, initially used in legal contexts to refer to the taking possession of property. Over time, its use expanded to include both legal isolation (such as sequestering juries) and environmental applications (such as carbon sequestration in relation to global warming). Its adaptability has allowed it to maintain relevance in contemporary language while retaining its core meaning of separation and isolation.