Sequester: SAT Vocabulary Word Explained
Learn about the word ‘sequester’ and its various meanings as both a verb and noun. This video covers the definition, etymology, antonyms, synonyms, and usage examples to help you prepare for the SAT. Understand how ‘sequester’ is used in legal, environmental, and everyday contexts.
Imagine you’re a witness to a high-profile crime. Suddenly, you’re whisked away to a secret location, cut off from the outside world.
This is what it means to be sequestered. Today, we’re exploring the word sequester, a term you might encounter on your SAT.
Word type: Sequester is both a verb and a noun.
Meaning: As a verb, sequester means to isolate or hide away.
It can also mean to legally seize property or assets. As a noun, it refers to the act of sequestering or the state of being sequestered.
Word history: Sequester comes from the Latin word sequester, meaning a trustee or mediator. It entered the English language in the late fourteenth century through Old French.
Antonyms: Some opposites of sequester include release, free, or integrate.
Synonyms: Words with similar meanings include isolate, seclude, separate, or segregate.
Examples use in sentences: Let’s look at how sequester can be used in different contexts. The jury was sequestered in a hotel during the high-profile trial to prevent outside influence.
Scientists are researching ways to sequester carbon dioxide to combat climate change. The government decided to sequester the assets of the corrupt businessman.
During the pandemic, many people felt sequestered in their homes. Common errors in use: One common mistake is confusing sequester with sequestrate.
While both words are related, sequestrate is primarily used in medical contexts to describe the formation of a sequestrum, a piece of dead bone that separates from healthy bone.
Understanding sequester and its various applications can enhance your vocabulary and help you tackle complex texts on the SAT.
Remember, sequester isn’t just about isolation; it’s about separation for a specific purpose, whether it’s legal proceedings, environmental science, or personal seclusion.
Keep practicing with this word, and you’ll be well-prepared for your exam.

