Definition

1. Verb:
   • To keep (someone or something) away from others; to isolate or set apart: The primary meaning of "seclude" is to deliberately remove or separate someone or something from contact or interaction with others.
   • To screen or hide from view: It can also mean to place something in a location that is hidden or not easily seen.

Usage

• The verb "seclude" is transitive and requires a direct object (e.g., , ).
• It is often used in reflexive constructions (e.g., "to seclude oneself") to describe a person's voluntary action of withdrawing from society or company.
• It describes a state of privacy, isolation, or remoteness.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The famous author chose to seclude herself in a mountain cabin to finish her novel.
  • The garden was secluded by a high brick wall, creating a private oasis.
  • He secluded the patient in a separate room to prevent the spread of infection.

Advanced Usage

• "to seclude oneself": This is a very common reflexive phrase meaning to withdraw from the company of others, often for privacy, contemplation, or work.
  • After the scandal, the politician secluded himself from the public eye.
• Passive Voice: The past participle "secluded" is frequently used as an adjective to describe a place that is private and sheltered from view or disturbance.
  • They found a secluded beach where they could be alone.

Variants and Related Words

• Secluded (adj): (of a place) not seen or visited by many people; sheltered and private.
  • They had a picnic in a secluded spot by the lake.
• Seclusion (n): The state of being private and away from other people.
  • She enjoyed the peace and seclusion of the countryside.

Synonyms

• Isolate: To cause (a person or place) to be or remain alone or apart from others.
• Sequester: To isolate or hide away (someone or something). (Note: This is the synonym used in the reference definition.)
• Withdraw: To remove oneself from participation or to retreat.

Antonyms

• Integrate: To combine one thing with another so they become a whole.
• Socialize: To participate in social activities; to mix socially with others.
• Expose: To make (something) visible by uncovering it; to leave unprotected.

Related Phrases

• In seclusion: In a state of being hidden or isolated from others.
  • The monastery is deep in the forest, in seclusion from the modern world.

Verb

1. keep away from others
   • He sequestered himself in his study to write a book