A hermit, e.g., is someone who lives a solitary life, often in seclusion from society. The term 'RECLUSE' (7 letters) is synonymous with hermit and refers to someone who avoids contact with other people. A LONER (5 letters) is someone who prefers to be alone and does not seek out the company of others. Finally, a CRAB (4 letters) is an informal term for a hermit or RECLUSE, referring to the CRAB's tendency to retreat into its shell.