Sequestration

noun

/ˌsiːkwɛˈstreɪʃən/

The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, either through natural means such as forests and soils or through technological methods such as carbon capture and underground storage.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

The carbon sequestration potential of India's mangroves and degraded forests, if monetised through credible afforestation programmes, could simultaneously advance the nation's net-zero-by-2070 pledge and provide green livelihoods to coastal and tribal communities.

Synonyms

isolationseclusionsegregationconfiscationseizureseparation

Antonyms

releaserestorationintegrationcirculation

🌱 Word Family

sequester (v/n), sequestrate (v), sequestrated (adj), sequestered (adj)

🔡 Root

Latin sequestrātiō = a depositing; sequestrāre = to commit for safekeeping; sequester = trustee, mediator; -ation = process suffix

📜 Etymology

From Latin sequestrātiō ("a depositing"), from sequestrāre ("to commit for safekeeping"), from sequester ("trustee, mediator").

🧠 Memory Hook

Think "sequester" = to set apart, hidden inside is "que(st)" — picture a jury sent off on a lonely quest, sequestered from the world; in green terms, carbon is locked away on a one-way quest into a forest sink.

📝 Seen in UPSC Question Papers

Prelims 2025 — Climate Change
Prelims 2018 — Ecology

Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Sequestration” — proof this word earns its place on your list.

🌿 Environment & Ecology 📖 Seen in: Climate Change and Pollution in India

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