insulate

verb

in·​su·​late ˈin(t)-sə-ˌlāt How to pronounce insulate (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for insulate

Word History

Etymology

Latin insula

First Known Use

circa 1741, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insulate was circa 1741

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insulate. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

insulate

verb
in·​su·​late ˈin(t)-sə-ˌlāt How to pronounce insulate (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on insulate

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