recluse

/ˈrɛklus/

/ˈrɛklus/

Other forms: recluses; reclusely

A recluse lives alone, works alone, eats alone, and generally stays away from other people. Anti-social old hermits are recluses, as are a lot of students during exam time.

In the early 13th century, a recluse was a person who shut out the world to go meditate on religious issues. But nowadays recluses can think about whatever they want while they're sitting in solitude — they're simply people who shy away from social interaction and live secluded lives. Or think of the Brown Recluse spider, who likes to hide out in dark old boots or undisturbed corners of the basement.

Definitions of recluse

1. noun

   one who lives in solitude
   synonyms: hermit, solitary, solitudinarian, troglodyte

   examples:

   St. John the Baptist

   (New Testament) a preacher and hermit and forerunner of Jesus (whom he baptized); was beheaded by Herod at the request of Salome

   type of:

   lone hand, lone wolf, loner

   a person who avoids the company or assistance of others
2. adjective

   withdrawn from society; seeking solitude
   synonyms: reclusive, withdrawn

   unsocial

   not seeking or given to association; being or living without companions