sequester
sih-KWES-ter
/sɪˈkwestə(r)/
To isolate or hide away; in environmental science, to trap and store carbon dioxide.
It implies a long-term or permanent storage, often through natural processes like forest growth or technological ones like underground injection.
The story behind the word. Originally a legal term from the Latin 'sequester' (a trustee or mediator). If two people had a dispute over property, they would 'sequester' it by giving it to a third party until the case was settled.
Word relationships
- isolate: Isolate is more general; sequester often implies a legal or technical removal from general circulation.
- release: Release is the act of letting go, while sequester is the act of locking away.
Commonly confused with
- segregate: Segregate means to separate groups, while sequester means to hide or store something away entirely.
Word family
- sequestration (noun): The action of sequestering.
Collocations
- carbon sequestration
- sequester carbon
- sequestered in soil
Example sentences
- "Plants sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, storing it in their biomass." Scientific explanation of natural carbon sinks.
Memory hook
Think of 'Secret-er'—you are keeping the carbon in a 'secret' place where it can't hurt the atmosphere. Locking carbon away.
When not to use
Don't use it for temporary storage; it implies a deliberate act of setting something aside for safety or isolation.
Fun facts
- In law, a jury can be 'sequestered,' meaning they are kept away from the public and media to prevent outside influence.
Explore more words
sequestration, isolate, decarbonize, incarcerate, arrest, remediate
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