Word: sequester

Associations

The word "sequester" means to isolate or hide away something or someone. It can be used in several contexts, primarily legal and social.

• In a legal context: "The court decided to sequester the jury during the trial." This means the jury will be isolated from outside influences.
• In environmental discussions: "The trees help sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere." Here, it refers to the trees removing CO2.
• In personal situations: "She chose to sequester herself in her room to focus on her studies." This shows a decision to isolate for a purpose.

A well-known synonym is "isolate." The main difference is that "sequester" often implies a formal or intentional act of separation, whereas "isolate" can be used in broader, more everyday situations.

Substitution

There are other words you might use instead of "sequester":

• Isolate - means to separate or set apart.
• Hide - indicates putting away something so it cannot be found.
• Segregate - often used in social contexts meaning to separate groups based on certain characteristics.

The choice of word can change the intensity and context. For example, "isolate" focuses more on separation, while "hide" suggests concealment.

Deconstruction

The root of the word "sequester" comes from the Latin "sequestrare," which means to separate or set aside.

• "Se-" is a prefix meaning apart.
• "Quest" comes from Latin "quaestio" meaning inquiry or questioning.
• "-er" is a suffix that often turns a verb into a noun, suggesting someone who does an action.

This word historically relates to the idea of being put aside for a purpose, whether it be for safeguarding or decision-making.

Inquiry

Think about these questions:

• Can you recall a situation where you felt the need to sequester yourself? What was the reason?
• How might sequestering a jury affect the outcome of a trial?
• In what ways can nature sequester carbon, and why is this important for our environment?

Reflecting on these questions can help connect the meaning of "sequester" to your own life and experiences.