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

• 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

One of the research experiments flying on the NG-23 mission will examine how to better insulate cryogenic propellant tanks in space. —Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 15 Sep. 2025

The engine compartment is also insulated. —James Raia, Mercury News, 14 Sep. 2025

He was insulated by the bond with Begiristain that stretched back to his first managerial role at Barcelona over 15 years ago. —Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025

The gun lobby's contributions help candidates remain silent and insulated at critical moments. —John J. Donohue, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin insula

First Known Use

circa 1741, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for insulate

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

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