recluse

A recluse is a person who lives in solitary seclusion, avoiding social contact and public life. Recluses may choose privacy for personal, philosophical, or religious reasons, or they may withdraw due to health, aging, or mental health concerns. The term emphasizes behavior rather than a specific condition and is not itself a medical diagnosis.

Etymology and usage: The word derives from the French réclus, from Latin reclusus, meaning shut up or confined. In English, it has historically described individuals who deliberately minimize social interaction, and it is sometimes applied to prominent figures who remain out of the public eye.

Difference from related terms: A hermit typically follows ascetic or religious principles and seeks solitude as part of a spiritual life. A recluse need not adhere to any doctrine and may simply prefer solitude or find social environments overwhelming. Reclusiveness can be temporary or long-lasting and may reflect personal preference, circumstances, or a combination of factors.

In psychology and culture: Reclusiveness can be observed as a pattern of social withdrawal, which in some cases intersects with mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. In literature and media, recluses are often portrayed as enigmatic figures, reflecting tensions between privacy and public life.

Biology note: The term also appears in common names, such as the brown recluse spider, Loxosceles reclusa, a venomous species native to parts of the United States.