What does quarantine mean?
Quarantine is both a noun and a verb. When used as a noun, it means the separation or restriction of movement of people, animals, or goods that may carry a contagious disease, as well as the period or policy of such separation. The verb means to place someone or something under such restrictions. In public-health contexts, quarantine is used to reduce transmission, especially when people or animals may have been exposed to an infection; it can also describe self-isolation under official guidance. Historically, the word referred to maritime controls in which ships, cargoes, and passengers were held apart for a period associated with forty days. Today the term often carries both protective and restrictive connotations, since quarantine protects a community but limits individual freedom and may disrupt travel, work, and trade. Its long history and continuing use in outbreak control make it a useful word for both medical contingency and social consequence.
The separation or restriction of people, animals, goods, or vessels that may carry a contagious disease, or the period or policy of such separation.
"The animal remained in quarantine until veterinary officials confirmed it was no longer infectious."
The noun may refer to the restriction itself, its duration, or the policy governing it; historical usage often concerns ships, passengers, and cargoes.
To separate or restrict the movement of people, animals, goods, or vessels in order to prevent the spread of a contagious disease.
"Health authorities quarantined livestock arriving from the affected region."
The verb is especially common in public-health, veterinary, and historical maritime contexts.
The plural is used for separate quarantine measures or periods and is also the third-person singular present of the verb.
"The authorities imposed quarantines on several communities during the outbreak."
Quarantine preserves the old maritime ritual of isolation lasting forty days—and even that number survives in its name.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quarantine come from?
English borrowed the word in the early 17th century from French quarantaine, from Italian quarantina, historically associated with quarantena. These forms ultimately derive from Latin quadraginta, meaning “forty,” referring to the period for which ships were traditionally isolated. Related forms include Italian quarantena and Spanish or Portuguese quarentena, while Latin quadraginta also preserves the root found in English four.
Related word forms
How quarantine is actually used
The word is most common in formal medical, veterinary, maritime, and public-health contexts. In modern usage it often refers to an officially imposed restriction, though it can also describe self-isolation; it consequently carries both protective and restrictive connotations. There is no major regional distinction in standard British and American usage.