The Linguistic Depth of 'Cloister'

In this episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, host Peter Sokolowski explores the multifaceted verb "cloister," tracing its journey from a medieval architectural term to a modern expression of intentional seclusion.

Defining the Verb

At its core, the verb "cloister" is defined as the act to "shut" someone or something away. It implies a deliberate separation from the outside world. To illustrate this, the podcast references a statement from Bill Nelson, the former Melbourne High student body president and current NASA administrator. When discussing his future plans after stepping down from his long-standing role, Nelson remarked, "I'm going to cloister myself and write a book." This usage perfectly exemplifies the modern application of the word: choosing to withdraw from public life to focus on a singular, private task.

Historical Evolution and Etymology

The term has a rich historical trajectory. "Cloister" first appeared in the English language during the 13th century as a noun, specifically referring to a "convent or monastery." By the 16th century, English speakers expanded the word’s utility, transforming it into a verb that means "to seclude in or as if in a cloister."

Beyond its function as a verb, the word has maintained its architectural roots. Even today, a "cloister" can describe a "covered and usually arched passage along or around a court," maintaining the physical sense of an enclosed space. Furthermore, the adjective form, "cloistered," is frequently used to describe a lifestyle, such as when one "leads a private cloistered life in the country," denoting a state of being "separated from the rest of the world."

The Latin Root and Linguistic Kinship

Sokolowski highlights that the etymology of "cloister" leads back to the Latin verb claudere, which simply means "to close." This etymological root is remarkably prolific in English, serving as the foundation for a wide array of words related to the concept of closing or containment.

Related words that share this "prolific claudere root" include:

• Close: The most direct descendant.
• Conclude: To bring to an end or close.
• Exclude: To shut out.
• Include: To shut in or contain.
• Preclude: To prevent or rule out in advance.
• Seclude: To remove from social contact.
• Recluse: A person who lives in seclusion.

By examining these connections, we see how the concept of "closing" has permeated the English lexicon, allowing for nuanced expressions of privacy, termination, and restriction. Understanding "cloister" not only provides insight into a specific vocabulary choice but also opens a window into the interconnected nature of the English language.