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

Not to mention, they’re insulated and lined with fuzzy shearling to keep your toes extra toasty. —Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 20 Feb. 2026

But as concern mounted about what the Epstein files might reveal, the king moved aggressively to insulate the royal family from the fallout. —Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026

Cut the bulk by wearing a shirt that’s lined and insulated. —Amelia Arvesen, Outside, 19 Feb. 2026

The mammals weigh up to 22 pounds and have deep red and cream coloring, and thick fur that insulates them against damp weather, the zoo says. —Jack Perry, The Providence Journal, 18 Feb. 2026

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