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

Beijing has been somewhat insulated from the conflict’s fallout thanks to its oil stockpile and aggressive push for renewables, but experts say it could be squeezed as a result of slowdowns in its key export markets. —Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 28 Apr. 2026

The Fed is usually left to navigate this tightrope alone, insulated from political pressure. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026

These unmanned systems are proving vital for high-risk logistics and medical evacuations, insulating soldiers from the most dangerous aspects of frontline operations. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026

After a Mass Save energy assessment, her home was insulated, drafts sealed, and her heating system upgraded. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin insula

First Known Use

1742, 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