sequester
What does "sequester" mean?
To sequester means to isolate, hide away, or set apart something or someone from the rest of the world. The mental image is of a person stepping into a private room and locking the door behind them, or a substance being chemically bound so it cannot react with anything else. In legal or professional contexts, it is often used to describe keeping a jury away from outside influence during a high-profile trial. In general conversation, it refers to the act of removing something from public access or creating a sanctuary of solitude to focus or protect oneself.
"sequester" in conversation
Legal proceedings
The judge decided to sequester the jury for the duration of the trial.
The judge decided to isolate the jury for the duration of the trial.
That's a smart move to prevent any media interference.
That's a smart move to prevent any media interference.
Commonly used in legal contexts regarding juries.
Work from home
I’m going to sequester myself in the home office until this report is done.
I’m going to isolate myself in the home office until this report is done.
Understood, I'll make sure the kids don't bother you.
Understood, I'll make sure the kids don't bother you.
Used figuratively to describe intense focus or privacy.
"sequester" in a sentence
The witness was sequestered in a hotel room for her own safety.
The witness was sequestered in a hotel room for her own safety.
Carbon capture technology helps to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Carbon capture technology helps to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The author sequestered herself in a remote cabin to finish her magnum opus without distraction.
The author sequestered herself in a remote cabin to finish her magnum opus without distraction.
