sequestration
|se-ques-tra-tion|
/ˌsiːkwəˈstreɪʃən/
to set apart / to take into custody
Etymology
'sequestration' originates from Latin/Medieval Latin, specifically the word 'sequestratio' (from Latin 'sequestrare'), where the root 'sequestr-' referred to a 'deposit' or a thing given over to a trustee.
'sequestration' changed from Medieval Latin 'sequestratio' and the verb Latin 'sequestrare' (and the related noun Latin 'sequestrum') into Anglo-French and Middle English legal usage before becoming the modern English term 'sequestration'.
Initially, it meant 'the handing over or placing of something in trust' (a deposit or thing given up); over time it expanded to mean 'legal seizure, enforced isolation, or the act of setting something aside' and later gained specialized senses such as 'budget cuts' and 'carbon capture'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the legal action of taking possession of property until a debt is paid or a dispute is resolved; seizure of assets.
The court ordered the sequestration of the company’s assets pending the outcome of the lawsuit.
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Noun 2
the isolation or removal of a person or group (e.g., jurors) from outside influence; official or enforced isolation.
The jury was placed under sequestration to prevent media influence during the trial.
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Noun 3
(Government/finance) The imposition of automatic, often across-the-board spending cuts (especially in US budgetary context).
The prospect of sequestration prompted urgent talks in Congress about avoiding blanket cuts to defense and social programs.
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Noun 4
(Science/environment) The act of capturing and securely storing a substance — especially carbon dioxide (carbon sequestration) — to prevent its release into the atmosphere.
Afforestation and soil management are methods of carbon sequestration that can help mitigate climate change.
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Last updated: 2025/10/07 03:13