quarantine definition
A condition, period of time, or place in which a person, animal, plant, vehicle, or amount of material suspected of carrying an infectious agent is kept in confinement or isolated in an effort to prevent disease from spreading. b. An action resulting in such a condition: the government's quarantine of the animals. 2. a. An action to isolate another nation, such as a blockade of its ports or a severance of diplomatic or trade relations.