sequester - Definition & Meaning

seq

ues

ter

Third Person

sequesters

Present Participle

sequestering

Past Tense

sequestered

Past Participle

sequestered

to keep something or someone separate from others

transitive

The special needs students were sequestered in a separate classroom to receive tailored instruction.
To ensure confidentiality, confidential documents are sequestered in a secure location.
The VIP guests were sequestered in a private lounge away from the general attendees of the event.
The rare book collection was sequestered in a temperature-controlled vault for preservation.
The wildlife sanctuary sequestered endangered species in protected habitats to ensure their survival.

Synonyms:

to isolate or separate something or someone from outside influence or contact

transitive

During meditation, it's important to sequester your mind from distractions and find inner peace.
The jury members were sequestered during the high-profile trial to ensure they were not influenced by external factors.
The scientists sequestered the lab rats in a controlled environment to observe their behavior.
The witness was sequestered in a safe house to ensure their protection and prevent any interference.

Synonyms:

to isolate a substance, typically a metal ion, within a compound to prevent it from reacting with other substances

transitive

Chelating agents can sequester iron ions in the bloodstream, reducing their reactivity and toxicity.
During the purification of proteins, it is important to sequester metal ions that could catalyze unwanted reactions.
The formation of inclusion complexes can sequester guest molecules within the cavities of host molecules.
The formation of insoluble complexes helps sequester toxic metals like lead and mercury.

to legally seize or take possession of property or assets

transitive

The court ordered to sequester the defendant's assets as part of the bankruptcy proceedings.
The government sequestered the land for public use under eminent domain laws.
The bank sequestered the property after the homeowner defaulted on the mortgage payments.
The IRS sequestered the taxpayer's wages to satisfy outstanding tax debts.
The court-appointed trustee sequestered the company's assets during the bankruptcy proceedings.

Synonyms:

to seize or take control of property, assets, or resources belonging to an enemy

transitive

During the war, the government sequestered enemy-owned factories to prevent them from manufacturing weapons.
The military sequestered enemy vehicles to use in logistical operations behind enemy lines.
As part of the occupation, the victorious army sequestered enemy land for strategic purposes.
The occupying forces sequestered enemy supplies to replenish their own dwindling resources.
The victorious navy sequestered enemy ships and repurposed them for their own fleet.