insulate

verb

in·​su·​late ˈin(t)-sə-ˌlāt 

insulated; insulating

transitive verb

: to place in a detached situation : isolate

especially : to separate from conducting bodies by means of nonconductors so as to prevent transfer of electricity, heat, or sound

Synonyms

• cut off
• isolate
• seclude
• segregate
• separate
• sequester

Examples of insulate in a Sentence

They used a special type of fiberglass to insulate the attic.

a material that is able to insulate against cold

The company has tried to insulate itself from the region's political turmoil.

I wish I could insulate my children from painful experiences.

Recent Examples on the Web

Make money moves to insulate yourself from stress as the moon and Mars harmonize. —USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025

Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. —Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 3 Jan. 2025

Choose insulating clothing that wicks away moisture and sweat. —Emily Brown, Mph, Verywell Health, 28 Dec. 2024

Make sure your family is prepared for time outdoors with waterproof gloves, winter coats, warm hats, scarves, sturdy boots, and insulating base layers. —Erica Jackson Curran, Parents, 25 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin insula

First Known Use

circa 1741, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

insulate

verb

in·​su·​late ˈin(t)-sə-ˌlāt 

insulated; insulating

: to place in a detached situation : isolate

especially : to separate from conducting bodies by means of nonconductors so as to prevent transfer of electricity, heat, or sound

Etymology

from Latin insula "island" — related to isle, isolate, peninsula