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

But as China has remained comparatively insulated amid the historic disruption of global oil markets – even clocking robust growth in the first quarter of 2026 – Xi and his planners appear even more assured in their strategy. —Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026

DeGise said berry farmers likely covered the plants with hay to insulate them. —Vanessa Murdock, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026

Apple has so far insulated its products from price hikes, reportedly due to its long-standing relationship with suppliers. —Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 20 Apr. 2026

The cotton underside is just insulating enough to work on your bed year-round, while the linen’s airflow lets heat escape for a naturally temperature-regulating combination. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 19 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