The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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isolate

verb

/ˈʌɪsəleɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of isolate

To set apart, separate, or detach something or someone from its surroundings, context, or companions.
"The prisoners were put in solitary confinement to isolate them from other inmates."

Detailed meaning of isolate

When you isolate an object, individual, or idea, you place it in a distinct and often solitary position, making it stand out or function independently. Isolation can occur physically, as in isolating a patient with a contagious disease to prevent its spread, or metaphorically, such as isolating a particular variable in a scientific experiment to study its effects. Additionally, isolating can refer to the process of making someone or something feel socially or emotionally detached, often to their detriment, such as isolating an individual through social exclusion or isolating a problem in order to address it separately. "Isolate" emphasizes the action of creating a state of separation, either physically, metaphorically, or emotionally.

Example sentences containing isolate

1. The scientist needed to isolate the specific bacteria.
2. He tried to isolate himself from the noisy crowd.
3. The quarantine was necessary to isolate the virus.
4. She used earplugs to isolate herself from the noise.
5. Isolate the faulty wire to fix the electrical issue.
6. The detective needed to isolate the key evidence.

History and etymology of isolate

The verb 'isolate' has an etymology that relates to the concept of separation. It originates from the Latin word 'insulatus,' which is derived from 'insula,' meaning 'island.' In Latin, 'insulatus' described the process of isolating or setting apart something or someone, similar to how an island is distinct and separate from its surrounding waters. Over time, this Latin term transitioned into the English verb 'isolate,' retaining its core meaning of setting apart, separating, or detaching something or someone from its surroundings, context, or companions. The etymology of 'isolate' effectively captures the idea of creating a distinct and separate entity, emphasizing the act of isolation as a deliberate process of detachment.

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Further usage examples of isolate

1. The goal was to isolate the problem in the system.
2. They decided to isolate the contaminated samples.
3. The island's geography helps isolate its unique species.
4. The experiment aims to isolate the chemical compound.
5. Isolate the contaminated items to prevent further spread.
6. The goal is to isolate the variable that affects the outcome.
7. The curtains were drawn to isolate the room from sunlight.
8. The teacher used partitions to isolate the study groups.
9. His behavior began to isolate him from his friends.
10. They needed to isolate the data for analysis.
11. The software allows you to isolate specific data points.
12. The goal is to isolate the source of the problem.
13. He needed to isolate the noise in the audio recording.
14. The scientist wanted to isolate the purest form of the substance.
15. The doctor advised the patient to isolate himself for two weeks.
16. The scientist was able to isolate the virus from the sample.
17. The mountain range isolated the small village from the rest of the world.
18. The introverted student preferred to isolate herself in the library.
19. The noise-cancelling headphones helped me isolate myself from the loud chatter.
20. The company decided to isolate the faulty batch of products.
21. The captain instructed the crew to isolate the contaminated area of the ship.
22. The singer wanted to isolate herself from the negative comments on social media.
23. The government imposed a quarantine to isolate the spread of the disease.
24. The researcher was able to isolate the specific gene responsible for the trait.
25. The hiker found a quiet spot to isolate herself and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.