Keep away from others (7)

I believe the answer is:

isolate

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'keep' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I don't see how they can define each other.

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for isolate that I've seen before include "Segregate. close off" , "Detach" , "divorce" , "Place separately" , "Set apart from others" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News, The New York Times and The Globe and Mail.

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