isolation

 
Pronunciation: /ʌɪsəˈleɪʃ(ə)n/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the process or fact of isolating or being isolated: isolation from family and friends may also contribute to anxiety
  • [as modifier] denoting a hospital or ward for patients with contagious or infectious diseases.
  • [count noun] an instance of isolating something, especially a compound or microorganism.

Phrases

in isolation

without relation to other people or things; separately: environmental problems must not be seen in isolation from social ones

Origin:

mid 19th century: from isolate, partly on the pattern of French isolation