B2verb2K

Isolate

UK /["/ˈaɪsəleɪt/","/ˈaɪsəleɪts/","/ˈaɪsəleɪtɪd/","/ˈaɪsəleɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈaɪsəleɪt/","/ˈaɪsəleɪts/","/ˈaɪsəleɪtɪd/","/ˈaɪsəleɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to separate somebody/something physically or socially from other people or things

In simple words: To keep something or someone separate from others.

Examples

  • Patients with the disease should be isolated.
  • Engineers isolated the gas supply to the house.
  • He was immediately isolated from the other prisoners.
  • This decision will isolate the country from the rest of Europe.
  • It is possible to isolate a number of factors that contributed to her downfall.
  • Researchers are still trying to isolate the gene that causes this abnormality.

Usage notes

Use 'isolate' when referring to removing someone or something from a group or environment. Often used in scientific, medical, or psychological contexts. Avoid in casual conversation unless discussing specific scenarios.

Grammar pattern

isolate + object

Memory hint

Think of a lone island ('iso' sounds like 'island') surrounded by water, cut off from everything.

Collocations

  • isolate a variable
  • isolate from others
  • isolate the problem
  • isolate the pathogen
  • isolate oneself

Synonyms

  • separate
  • detach
  • segregate
  • quarantine
  • exclude

Antonyms

  • connect
  • associate
  • unite

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'isolation', the noun form.
  • Using it incorrectly in the passive voice, e.g., 'The virus is isolated by the doctor.'
  • Forgetting to include an object, e.g., 'Please isolate.'