self-isolation

noun

self-iso·​la·​tion ˌself-ˌī-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce self-isolation (audio)
 also  -ˌi-
: the act of isolating or separating oneself or itself from others
the country's policy of self-isolation
"Unfortunately, people with depression are notorious for self-isolation. They tend to retract from social connection, which is often the very thing they need in order to feel better," says Dr. [Pam] Garcy.PRWeb Newswire
Many high-level British officials are in self-isolation with coronavirus symptoms.Kim Hjelmgaard

Examples of self-isolation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Related article Bullying only leads to self-isolation, Xi says day after US-China tariff truce On Monday, Asian shares slipped as a mixed bag of Chinese economic data showed the domestic economy was struggling even as US tariffs began to bite into exports. Reuters, CNN Money, 18 May 2025 Left unchecked, anger can manifest as an outburst and disappointment as self-isolation. Kevin Kruse, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024 The country’s self-isolation became ever more extreme. Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 19 Sep. 2017 Pummeled by a positive COVID test and a rapidly imploding re-election campaign, President Biden walked gingerly up the steps of Air Force One and retreated into self-isolation Wednesday night. Zachary Basu, Axios, 18 July 2024 Life This 103-year-old philosopher’s to-do list will get you through self-isolation Need to isolate? Big Think, 24 June 2024 The rulings come as authorities seek to burnish the city’s reputation as a destination for businesses and tourists after its image was dented by its pandemic self-isolation and political unrest. Siuming Ho / Bloomberg, TIME, 30 May 2024 Hoss will play Hanna, a doctor who, during the midst of an epidemic, goes into self-isolation in the mountain wilderness to protect herself and others. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2024 After three years of self-isolation by China, President Biden’s top aides are flying into Beijing throughout the summer to try to convince and cajole Chinese officials, including Xi Jinping, the nation’s leader, on building a new foundation for relations. Alan Rappeport, New York Times, 10 July 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-isolation was in 1834

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Cite this Entry

“Self-isolation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-isolation. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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