i ‧ so ‧ la ‧ tion AC /ˌaɪsəˈleɪʃ ə n/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ isolation , ↑ isolationism , ↑ isolationist ; adjective : ↑ isolated , ↑ isolationist ; verb : ↑ isolate ]
1 . when one group, person, or thing is separate from others:
Because of its geographical isolation, the area developed its own unique culture.
isolation of
the isolation of rural areas
international/diplomatic/political isolation
the country’s continuing political isolation
in isolation
The political prisoner had been held in complete isolation.
The mansion sits in splendid isolation on top of the hill (=it is far from everything and looks impressive) .
isolation hospital/ward British English :
Scarlet fever victims had to go to the isolation hospital.
a patient’s isolation period
2 . when someone feels alone and unable to meet or speak to other people:
Retirement can often cause feelings of isolation.
elderly people living in social isolation
3 . in isolation (from something) if something exists or is considered in isolation, it exists or is considered separately from other things that are connected with it:
The future of health care cannot be considered in isolation from economic factors.