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

An injunction directing how such processes may unfold would be contrary to the policy of insulating legislative activity from 'outside interference' that undergirds this court's immunity jurisprudence. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 20 May 2025

And the inability to truly insulate yourself from calamity is what Final Destination is all about. —A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 19 May 2025

At first glance, Belvidere would seem well insulated from the impact of tariffs. —Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 19 May 2025

They’re insulated with the brand’s Helion superfoam cushioning to absorb shock and maximize your enjoyment on the trails, all while prioritizing stability. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 17 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