Skip to content

isolement

isolation, solitude

noun ee-zol-MAHN Rare

Origin: French isoler (to isolate) from Italian isolare

Usage Note

Isolement describes the state of being cut off — physically (a remote location) or emotionally (loneliness). L'isolement social (social isolation) is a common public-health term. The adjective isolé and verb isoler share the root. Compare la solitude, which can carry a more positive, chosen sense.

Examples

"Le confinement a renforcé l'isolement des personnes âgées."

Natural Translation

Lockdown intensified the isolation of elderly people.

Explore French by topic