recluir
Lemma Details
Translation: to confine; to seclude; to imprison; to lock up; to isolate
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'recludere', which paradoxically meant 'to open' or 'to disclose' in Classical Latin, but later evolved to mean 'to shut up' or 'to confine' in Medieval Latin. The prefix 're-' (back, again) combined with 'claudere' (to close) created this term. The English cognate 'recluse' shares this root, referring to someone who lives in isolation.
Commonality: 40%
Guessability: 60%
Register: formal
Example Usage
Lo recluyeron en una celda de máxima seguridad.
They confined him to a maximum security cell.
Decidió recluirse en un monasterio tras la tragedia.
He decided to seclude himself in a monastery after the tragedy.
El juez ordenó recluir al acusado hasta el juicio.
The judge ordered the accused to be imprisoned until the trial.
Se recluyó en su casa durante meses.
He isolated himself in his house for months.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'recluse' in English - someone who is isolated or confined.
- Re-CLUE-ir: You need a clue to find someone who's been confined or secluded.
- Sounds like 'reclining' but instead of relaxing, you're confined to a space.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'recluir' is often used in legal contexts when referring to imprisonment or confinement. It can also be used in psychiatric contexts for involuntary commitment. The term carries a stronger sense of isolation than simple imprisonment.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Recluir' means to confine or imprison, while 'incluir' means to include or incorporate.
This word:
El criminal fue recluido en la prisión estatal.
The criminal was imprisoned in the state prison.
Confused word:
Vamos a incluir a todos en la celebración.
We're going to include everyone in the celebration.
Notes: The similar spelling and pronunciation can cause confusion, especially for beginners.
Mnemonic: 'Recluir' starts with 're-' (back, away) suggesting removal from society, while 'incluir' starts with 'in-' suggesting bringing something in.
Explanation: 'Recluir' means to confine or imprison, while 'reclutar' means to recruit or enlist.
This word:
Decidieron recluirlo en un sanatorio mental.
They decided to confine him in a mental institution.
Notes: Both words share the first four letters, which can lead to confusion in writing and speech.
Mnemonic: Think of 'reclutar' as related to 'recruit' in English, while 'recluir' relates to 'recluse'.