Meaning & Definition of word "Isolate"

Isolate

/ˈaɪ.sə.leɪt/

noun:

  • 1. A person or thing that has been isolated.
    • Example: He was an isolate, preferring to live in solitude rather than in a bustling community.
  • 2. An isolated person or group.
    • Example: The isolates in the study exhibited unique cultural traits not found elsewhere.

verb:

  • 1. To set apart from others; to separate.
    • Example: The scientist decided to isolate the bacteria in order to study its effects.
  • 2. To cause (a person or animal) to be alone or apart from others.
    • Example: During the flu outbreak, she had to isolate herself to avoid spreading the virus.
  • 3. To remove or separate something from a larger group.
    • Example: The researchers were able to isolate the specific chemical compound from the mixture.

Etymology

from Latin 'insolatus', meaning 'made lonely or solitary.'

Common Phrases and Expressions

isolate oneself:

to withdraw from social interaction and be alone.

isolationist:

a person who believes in or supports isolationism.

Related Words

isolation:

the state of being separated from others.

isolated:

far away from other places or people; remote.

Slang Meanings of isolate

Meaning: to cut off from the group or not include someone.

Example Sentence: Don't isolate him from the team; he has good ideas.

Meaning: to 'ghost' someone, or to sever communication without explanation.

Example Sentence: She just isolated him after their last argument.