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quarantine

KWOR-uhn-teen /ˈkwɒrəntiːn/

nounverbB2IELTSTOEFLSAT

generallegal

A state, period, or place of isolation in which people or animals that have arrived from elsewhere or been exposed to infectious or contagious disease are placed.

Quarantine is for people who might be sick; isolation is for people who are known to be sick.

The story behind the word. In the 14th century, the city of Venice required ships arriving from plague-stricken ports to sit at anchor for 'quaranta giorni' (forty days). This period was chosen not for scientific reasons, but likely because of the religious significance of the number forty in the Bible.

Word relationships

isolation: Isolation specifically refers to separating those known to be ill, while quarantine applies to those who might have been exposed.

integration: The act of bringing individuals back into the general population.

Commonly confused with

isolation: Quarantine is for the 'potentially exposed'; isolation is for the 'confirmed sick'.

Word family

quarantined (adjective): Placed in isolation.

Collocations

mandatory quarantine
self-quarantine
quarantine period

Example sentences

"The ship was kept in quarantine for forty days before the crew was allowed to disembark." Historical maritime regulations.
"Travelers arriving from high-risk zones were required to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine." Modern public health response.

Memory hook

The 'quar' in quarantine is like 'quarter' or 'four'—reminding you of the original 'forty' days. Quaranta = Forty.

When not to use

Avoid using it for voluntary social distancing unless formal restrictions are in place.

Fun facts

The first city to implement a quarantine was Ragusa (modern-day Dubrovnik) in 1377, though they originally only required 30 days (a 'trentine').