afzonderen

Afzonderen is a Dutch verb meaning to separate, detach, or set apart something or someone from a group or from a larger whole. It can indicate physical separation, isolation for safety or control, or mental or social withdrawal. The verb is primarily transitive: iemand of iets afzonderen van de rest; it can also be used reflexively: zich afzonderen, meaning to withdraw from society or to isolate oneself.

In medicine and public health, afzonderen refers to the isolation of a patient or group to prevent the spread of disease. In organizational or data-protection contexts it can mean isolating information or processes for privacy, security, or compliance.

Synonyms and related terms include scheiden (to separate), isoleren (to isolate in a narrower or technical sense), and afzondering (the act or process of separating or isolating). The term often contrasts with samenvoegen (to combine) and verenigen (to unite). Afzonderen is versatile and can describe physical separation, institutional procedures, or social behavior, depending on context.

Etymology: af- is a productive Dutch prefix indicating separation or removal, combined with zonderen, meaning to set apart. The sense is of taking something away from the rest.

See also: afzondering, afzonderlijk, scheiding, isolatie.