seclusion

Seclusion refers to the state of being private and away from others, or the act of withdrawing from social contact. It can involve physical isolation, such as retreating to a private space, or a broader reduction in social interaction for privacy, safety, or contemplation.

The concept is distinct from solitude and loneliness. Solitude usually denotes a voluntary and often positive choice to be alone, while loneliness describes a subjective feeling of social disconnection. Seclusion can be voluntary or involuntary, depending on whether the separation is chosen or imposed.

In institutions and law, seclusion commonly refers to a controlled isolation used as a safety or containment measure, such as seclusion rooms in prisons or psychiatric facilities. It is a topic of ethical debate because of risks to dignity and well-being, and most systems regulate its duration, oversight, and alternatives to minimize harm.

Historically, seclusion has appeared in cultural and religious contexts, including periods of hermitic living or deliberate withdrawal from public life. It is also used in modern contexts to describe privacy in homes, workplaces, and digital life, where individuals expect limits on intrusion. The balance between privacy, autonomy, and social connection continues to shape attitudes and policy on seclusion.