Avskildhet

Avskildhet is a Swedish noun that describes the state or condition of being secluded, separated, or kept out of view. The term can refer to physical seclusion—such as a private room or a secluded location—as well as to privacy or confidentiality in social, professional, or digital contexts. The word is derived from av- meaning away or off, and skildhet meaning separation or distinction.

In everyday life, avskildhet is sought when people want quiet, undisturbed time, or space for reflection. It can describe places designed to offer privacy, such as a courtyard corner, a private residence, or remote landscapes. In social life, avskildhet may be voluntary (solitude) or imposed by circumstances, and is often discussed in relation to the balance between contact and privacy. It should not be confused with ensamhet, which denotes loneliness or a lack of social connection.

In architecture, urban planning and human geography, avskildhet is a design objective to create zones of privacy and calm, sometimes through landscaping, screening, or zoning that reduces noise and visibility. In institutional settings, avskildhet can refer to protected or confidential spaces or to procedures that protect sensitive information.

The concept is used in discussions about mental well-being, work-life balance, and social policy. While avskildhet can support personal autonomy and privacy, excessive or involuntary isolation can be associated with negative outcomes such as loneliness or social exclusion. The term remains a general, descriptive one rather than a fixed category with a single definition.