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

Congressional approval would codify the DOGE cuts into law so that they could not be reversed by the next administration and would help to insulate the Trump administration from legal challenges. —Jade Walker, CNN Money, 4 June 2025

The mulch also will insulate the tree’s roots against extremes of heat and cold. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025

This should help insulate Florence and the rest of Anterior from potential threats by agentic anti-insurance agitators. —Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025

Our business is diversified, which has helped insulate us. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 29 May 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