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 of insulate

• isolate
• separate
• segregate

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

Some shades also have a core layer that insulates against heat. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 June 2026

But to do its job well, the Fed needs to be insulated from outside political forces. — Elizabeth C. Tippett, The Conversation, 29 June 2026

The region’s power sector isn't insulated from this crisis, it's exposed to the same risk it's supposed to help solve. — Kelly Fleming, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

That’s when Champion made thick cotton tops with hoods to help keep butchers warm in meat lockers and construction crews insulated during periods of cold outdoor labor. — Faran Krentcil, InStyle, 1 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin insula

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for insulate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

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