insulate

verb

in·​su·​late ˈin(t)-sə-ˌlāt How to pronounce insulate (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Being proactive about these matters enables companies to insulate themselves from potential crises and put in place strategies to win in the years ahead. Jon Michail, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 Advertisement Wray had previously been named by Trump and began the 10-year term — a length meant to insulate the agency from the political influence of changing administrations — in 2017, after Trump fired then-FBI Director James B. Comey. Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024 Ralph Lauren Wool & Cashmere Cable Knit Sweater $245 $147 at Nordstrom This Ralph Lauren sweater combines two of the world’s warmest fibers for a luxurious, deeply insulating sweater. Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 10 Dec. 2024 Public health must take its rightful place as a cornerstone of national policy, insulated from political whims and guided by science. Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for insulate 

Word History

Etymology

Latin insula

First Known Use

circa 1741, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insulate was circa 1741

Dictionary Entries Near insulate

Cite this Entry

“Insulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insulate. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

insulate

verb
in·​su·​late ˈin(t)-sə-ˌlāt How to pronounce insulate (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on insulate

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