seclusion

noun

se·​clu·​sion si-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce seclusion (audio)
1
: the act of secluding : the condition of being secluded
2
: a secluded or isolated place
seclusive adjective
seclusively adverb
seclusiveness noun

Did you know?

With its prefix se-, "apart", seclusion has the basic meaning of a place or condition that's "closed away". A lone island may be secluded, and its seclusion might be what its owner prizes most about it. Presidents and their staffs may go into seclusion before making critical decisions. Monastery life is purposely secluded, and monks may have taken vows to live lives of seclusion. The deadly brown recluse spider prefers seclusion but is sometimes disturbed by very unlucky people.

Choose the Right Synonym for seclusion

solitude, isolation, seclusion mean the state of one who is alone.

solitude may imply a condition of being apart from all human beings or of being cut off by wish or circumstances from one's usual associates.

a few quiet hours of solitude

isolation stresses detachment from others often involuntarily.

the isolation of the village in winter

seclusion suggests a shutting away or keeping apart from others often connoting deliberate withdrawal from the world or retirement to a quiet life.

lived in pastoral seclusion

Examples of seclusion in a Sentence

the seclusion of women that occurs in some countries I enjoyed the seclusion of the island.
Recent Examples on the Web And for those who seek the ultimate in seclusion combined with masterful architecture and easy access to the city, there’s Parihoa Farm, newly on the market for NZ$50 million (or about US$30 million). Mark David, Robb Report, 3 Feb. 2024 The nearly one-acre property’s sense of seclusion is matched by its convenience to Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods markets, the Houston Racquet Club, and the Houston Country Club. Mark David, Robb Report, 15 Feb. 2024 The new suite’s walls and sliding doors will almost reach to the ceiling for ultimate seclusion. Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 2024 Educators are generally allowed to use restraint and seclusion to protect students and others from imminent threats to safety. Kaiser Health News, Hartford Courant, 17 Jan. 2024 On the more remote island of Eleuthera, seclusion reigns supreme. Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 27 Jan. 2024 Facilities are only allowed to use seclusion to prevent someone from harming themselves or others. Molly Parker, ProPublica, 4 Jan. 2024 For those who seek complete seclusion in a less sultry climate, this picturesque private island in Canada is the ultimate wilderness escape. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 28 Dec. 2023 The smaller, one-bedroom dwellings are the most modern structures on the property and offer privacy and seclusion for guests. Emma Reynolds, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'seclusion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin seclusion-, seclusio, from Latin secludere

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of seclusion was circa 1616

Dictionary Entries Near seclusion

Cite this Entry

“Seclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seclusion. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

seclusion

noun
se·​clu·​sion si-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce seclusion (audio)
1
: the act of secluding : the state of being secluded
2
: a secluded place
seclusive
-siv How to pronounce seclusion (audio)
-ziv
adjective
seclusively adverb
seclusiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on seclusion

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