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

This helps to keep the seed insulated over the winter. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 June 2025

Divers descended into the water wearing dry suits, effectively insulating their bodies from the water. —Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025

Their interior walls were lined with clay to insulate them and prevent water from seeping inside during bad weather. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025

An insulating layer of agave fibers separates the piñas from direct contact with the rocks. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 17 June 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