sequester

/si'kwestə/

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Explanation of "Sequester"

Definition: The word "sequester" is a verb that means to set something apart from others or to keep it away. It can also mean to temporarily take possession of something, often for legal reasons.

Usage Instructions:

• "Sequester" is typically used in formal contexts or when discussing legal matters, science, or situations where something needs to be isolated or kept separate.

Examples:

1. Setting Apart: "The dentist sequesters the tooth he is working on to keep it safe from the other teeth."
2. Keeping Away: "After a long day, she decided to sequester herself in her study to focus on writing her book."
3. Legal Possession: "The authorities sequestered the illegal goods until the investigation was complete."

Advanced Usage:

In scientific contexts, "sequester" can refer to the process of forming a stable compound with an ion, which is commonly used in chemistry. For example: "The cations were sequestered by the anions in the solution, preventing any reactions."

Word Variants:

• Sequestration (noun): The act of sequestering or the state of being sequestered. Example: "The property was taken into sequestration due to legal disputes."
• Sequestered (adjective): Describes something that has been set apart or isolated. Example: "She enjoyed her sequestered garden, away from the noise of the city."

Different Meanings:

1. Legal Context: To temporarily take possession of property, often by legal authority.
   • Example: "The court ordered the sequestering of the assets until the trial was over."
2. Biology/Chemistry Context: To isolate a substance or ion.
   • Example: "Certain compounds can sequester heavy metals from the environment."

Synonyms:

• Isolate
• Separate
• Withdraw
• Confiscate (in legal contexts)
• Impound (in legal contexts)

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs using "sequester," you can use related phrases such as: - "Keep to oneself" (to remain alone or isolated) - "Put aside" (to set something apart for a specific purpose)

Summary:

"Sequester" is a versatile word used to describe the act of isolating or separating something, whether it be in a dental, legal, or scientific context.

Academic

Verb

1. set apart from others
   • The dentist sequesters the tooth he is working on
2. keep away from others
   • He sequestered himself in his study to write a book
3. undergo sequestration by forming a stable compound with an ion
   • The cations were sequestered
4. take temporary possession of as a security, by legal authority
   • The FBI seized the drugs
   • The customs agents impounded the illegal shipment
   • The police confiscated the stolen artwork
5. requisition forcibly, as of enemy property
   • the estate was sequestered

Synonyms

• sequestrate
• keep apart
• set apart
• isolate
• seclude
• withdraw
• impound
• attach
• confiscate
• seize