encloister
Withdraw from world
Encloister means to shut away in or as if in a cloister—a secluded religious community.
The word suggests withdrawal from the wider world, whether voluntary or imposed.
Someone might encloister themselves to focus on work or spiritual practice, or circumstances might encloister them against their will.
She encloistered herself in the cabin to finish her novel.
The term carries connotations of isolation that is purposeful rather than accidental.
Separate from others
- withdrawRemove or pull away
- sequesterSet apart, isolate
- confineRestrict to boundaries
- shelterProtected place or structure
seclude · reclusion · separation · quarantine · retirement · hideaway · concealment · segregation
Monastic house of worship
- conventReligious sisters' dwelling
- monasteryReligious seclusion dwelling
- friaryMendicant monks' residence
- hermitageSecluded religious dwelling
vows · monk · nun · friar · novice · habit · order · brotherhood
Total lack of sound
- solitudeState of being alone
- stillnessComplete lack of motion
- meditationFocused attention practice
- reflectionReturned light or thought
tranquility · serenity · quietude · repose · introspection · prayer · mindfulness · retreat
isolate
Separate from others
shelter · seclude · reclusion · separation · quarantine · retirement · hideaway · concealment · segregation · shut away
abbey
Monastic house of worship
- conventReligious sisters' dwelling
- monasteryReligious seclusion dwelling
- friaryMendicant monks' residence
hermitage · vows · monk · nun · friar · novice · habit · order · brotherhood · sisterhood
silence
Total lack of sound
- solitudeState of being alone
- stillnessComplete lack of motion
- meditationFocused attention practice
reflection · tranquility · serenity · quietude · repose · introspection · prayer · mindfulness · retreat · withdrawal
refuge
Place of safety
shelter · sanctum · protection · safehouse · hideout · fortress · preserve · harbor · stronghold · safe haven
encloistermainstream
Dominant cultural current
integrate · socialize · secularize · expose · involve