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quarantine

KWOR-uhn-teen /ˈkwɒr.ən.tiːn/

nounverbB2GRESATIELTS

generalformalmedical

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

Applies specifically to isolating individuals or populations suspected of exposure to prevent potential spread, even before symptoms appear.

The story behind the word. Originating in 14th-century Venice during the Black Death, ships arriving in port were required to anchor offshore for 'quarentena giorni'—forty days—before crew or cargo could land, ensuring no plague was brought ashore.

Word relationships

isolation: Isolation separates known sick individuals, whereas quarantine holds those exposed who may or may not be sick.
sequestration: Sequestration is formal removal or setting aside of property or groups, not necessarily for disease control.

integration: Combining individuals into a group without restrictions.
release: Setting free from restriction or isolation.

Commonly confused with

lockdown: Lockdown restricts movement of entire populations for safety; quarantine isolates specific exposed individuals or ships.

Word family

quarantined (adjective): Placed under quarantine isolation.

Collocations

strict quarantine
place in quarantine
quarantine facility
quarantine period

Example sentences

"The entire regiment was placed under mandatory quarantine after entering an area suspected of biological agent contamination." Military Biodefense Protocol
"Medical officers decided to quarantine the affected hangar to prevent the potential contagion from reaching the main fleet." Containment Strategy

Memory hook

QUARANTA means FORTY—a 40-day isolation period. 40 days of isolation.

When not to use

Do not confuse 'quarantine' with 'isolation'; quarantine isolates exposed but non-symptomatic entities, while isolation separates already confirmed sick individuals.

Fun facts

The Apollo 11 astronauts were placed in strict quarantine for 21 days after returning from the Moon in 1969 to ensure no lunar pathogens were brought to Earth.