insulate

verb

in·su·late | \ ˈin(t)-sə-ˌlāt

insulated; insulating

Definition of insulate

: 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

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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

Despite that, Republicans still held on to a slim majority in the House, a result some Democrats said showed that gerrymandering insulated Republicans from the will of the voters. — Denise Lavoie, The Seattle Times, "Court picks Virginia redistricting plan that helps Democrats," 23 Jan. 2019 Photo by Vlad Savov / The Verge One novel approach to being more aggressive on the electric front while insulating the main car brand from potential pitfalls is Volvo’s. — Vlad Savov, The Verge, "The future of electric car design has yet to be written," 5 Oct. 2018 The 10-by-24-foot wood structure has insulated panels, a kerosene stove, an outhouse and a big loft that can easily sleep between 10 and 12 people, Hinds said. — Devin Kelly, Anchorage Daily News, "A new hut with dramatic views rose up this summer in Alaska’s Hatcher Pass backcountry," 8 July 2018 Scent-free rubber and insulating neoprene will keep you outside without the hunted knowing. — James Lynch, Popular Mechanics, "The Best Boots for Stomping Through Mud," 29 Mar. 2019 Polyester is the most popular choice for noise-reducing and insulating drapes. — Lucia Tonelli, ELLE Decor, "Drapes or Curtains? Why Choosing the Right Window Treatment Matters," 27 Mar. 2019 Brother and sister Willow and Jaden Smith were prepped for low temps in bright hoodies and sweats, while Pharrell and his wife Helen Lasichanh kept themselves insulated in Sacai outerwear. — Liana Satenstein, Vogue, "The 15 Best Fashion Instagrams of the Week: Jaden and Willow Smith Layer Up, Tracee Ellis Ross Gets Cozy, and More," 2 Feb. 2019 These chic staples facilitate busy lives and insulate on the go. — Divya Bala, Harper's BAZAAR, "How to Nail Statement Style This Winter," 30 Nov. 2018 In Viloria and other hamlets in the shade of the limestone ranges of Loquiz and Urbasa, that's achieved by covering pyramids of wood with hay, dry leaves and a layer of insulating soil. — Alvaro Barrientos, Fox News, "Charcoal makers in Spain keep embers of an old trade burning," 13 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'insulate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near insulate

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Last Updated

6 May 2019

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Time Traveler for insulate

The first known use of insulate was circa 1741

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More Definitions for insulate

insulate

verb

English Language Learners Definition of insulate

: to add a material or substance to (something) in order to stop heat, electricity, or sound from going into or out of it

: to prevent (someone or something) from dealing with or experiencing something : to keep (someone or something) separate from something unpleasant, dangerous, etc.

See the full definition for insulate in the English Language Learners Dictionary

insulate

verb

in·su·late | \ ˈin-sə-ˌlāt

insulated; insulating

Kids Definition of insulate

1 : to separate from others : isolate At home he insulates himself from the city.

2 : to separate a conductor of electricity, heat, or sound from other conductors by means of something that does not allow the passage of electricity, heat, or sound insulated electrical wire