isolate

¹iso·late

verb \ˈī-sə-ˌlāt also ˈi-\

iso·lat·ediso·lat·ing

Definition of ISOLATE

transitive verb

1

: to set apart from others; also : quarantine

2

: to select from among others; especially : to separate from another substance so as to obtain pure or in a free state

3

: insulate

— iso·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun

Examples of ISOLATE

1. These policies will only serve to isolate the country politically and economically.
2. Certain patients must be isolated in a separate ward.
3. When he wants to work, he isolates himself in his office and won't talk to anyone.
4. Scientists have isolated the gene that causes the disease.

Origin of ISOLATE

back-formation from isolated set apart, from French isolé, from Italian isolato, from isola island, from Latin insula

First Known Use: 1799

Related to ISOLATE

Synonyms: cut off, insulate, seclude, segregate, separate, sequester

Antonyms: desegregate, integrate, reintegrate

Related Words: quarantine; confine, immure, incarcerate, intern, jail, lock (up), restrain, restrict; abstract, detach, disengage, remove; detain, hold, keep

Near Antonyms: assimilate, associate, connect, join, link, unite; discharge, free, liberate, loose, release

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