What does sequestration mean?
Sequestration is a formal word for the act of setting something aside, holding it apart, or preventing its use. In legal contexts, it usually refers to the seizure of property or assets by a court or other authority so that the property remains secure while a dispute, investigation, or claim is resolved. It can also mean the deliberate isolation of a person from others or the setting aside of resources for a special purpose. The word carries an implication of control, protection, and separation rather than ordinary removal or disposal. Because it is associated with law and institutional procedure, “sequestration” often sounds more formal and deliberate than “setting aside” or “holding back.” It is useful when precision is needed to describe property being held in custody or a person being deliberately separated from ordinary life.
The legal seizure or impoundment of property or assets to preserve them until a claim or dispute has been resolved.
"The court placed the property in sequestration pending further hearings."
Used especially in legal and financial contexts; it often implies temporary protective custody rather than final confiscation.
The act of setting something aside or holding someone apart from ordinary society or activity.
"Her sequestration from public life made it difficult for the public to understand the controversy."
This broader sense is less common than the legal one and can sound formal or literary.
The plural is used when referring to multiple legal seizures, acts of setting something aside, or instances of isolation.
"The court authorized several sequestrations of assets belonging to the disputed companies."
In law, sequestration puts property under temporary protective custody rather than immediately transferring ownership.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sequestration come from?
The word comes through Anglo-French from Latin sequestratio, a noun formed from sequestrare, meaning “to remove” or “set apart.” The same Latin root also underlies English “sequester” and “sequestrate.” In modern usage, the legal sense developed from the idea of setting property apart for safekeeping, while the broader sense reflects the older meaning of separating or removing something from its usual place.
Related word forms
How sequestration is actually used
The word is most common in legal and financial contexts. In general usage, “sequestration” can suggest deliberate isolation or removal from society, often with a formal or slightly unusual tone.