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sequestration

/ˌsiː.kwəˈstreɪ.ʃən/
IELTSAcademic
noun

The act of taking and keeping something, often officially or by law. It can also mean removing someone or something from others, especially for a time.

  • The court ordered sequestration of the company's assets.
  • Sequestration kept the jury apart during the trial.
  • Carbon sequestration helps reduce pollution.

Adinary Nuance

Sequestration is more formal and specific than words like removal or taking away. In law, it often means official taking of property or isolation of a jury. In science, it often means storing something safely, especially carbon.

In other languages

Vietnamese
sự tịch thu
Spanish
secuestro
Chinese
封存
Japanese
隔離
Korean
격리

Etymology

Sequestration comes from Late Latin sequestrare, meaning 'to set aside' or 'to surrender for safekeeping'. It entered English in the 15th century through legal and formal use.

Common phrases

carbon sequestrationjury sequestrationsequestration of assetssequestration order

Synonyms

Related words

Frequently asked questions

Is sequestration a formal word?
Yes. It is mostly used in legal, scientific, or academic writing.
What is the difference between sequestration and confiscation?
Confiscation usually means taking property as a penalty. Sequestration is broader and can mean official removal or separation.
What does carbon sequestration mean?
It means storing carbon so it does not stay in the atmosphere.
Is sequestration common in everyday English?
No. Most people meet it in news, law, science, or exam texts.