insulate

American  

[in-suh-leyt, ins-yuh-] / ˈɪn səˌleɪt, ˈɪns yə- /

verb (used with object)

insulated, insulating

1. to cover, line, or separate with a material that prevents or reduces the passage, transfer, or leakage of heat, electricity, or sound.

   to insulate an electric wire with a rubber sheath; to insulate a coat with down.

2. to place in an isolated situation or condition; segregate.

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insulate British  

/ ˈɪnsjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. to prevent or reduce the transmission of electricity, heat, or sound to or from (a body, device, or region) by surrounding with a nonconducting material

2. to isolate or detach

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Other Word Forms

• noninsulating
  adjective
• preinsulate
  verb (used with object)
• reinsulate
  verb (used with object)
• superinsulated
  adjective
• uninsulated
  adjective
• well-insulated
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of insulate

First recorded in 1530–40, insulate is from the Latin word insulātus made into an island. See insula, -ate ¹

Explanation

The verb insulate means "protect from heat, cold, or noise," like when you add an extra layer of clothing to insulate yourself from the cold. You can insulate a wall to keep sound out, or insulate your house to keep cold air from getting inside. So, to insulate is to protect against unwanted changes. Sometimes this can mean keeping out the influence or beliefs of other people, like a parent who tries to insulate his children from people who have different cultures or beliefs. You can see this meaning in the origin of insulate: the Latin word insula, meaning “to make into an island.”

Example Sentences

Kirby believes that giving premium customers reasons to feel loyal to the brand will help insulate United from the volatility.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

Elsewhere, political leaders are turning to green energy to insulate them from some of the economic impacts of rising fossil fuel prices.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

But in the wake of left guard Zion Johnson signing with the Cleveland Browns, the Chargers still need to find better protection for Herbert and insulate the unit better from injury.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

"No single country in Asia can insulate itself from supply chain shocks of this scale by acting alone," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

The change helped insulate agents from local corruption and created a truly national force, yet it also ignored regional difference and had the dehumanizing effect of constantly uprooting employees.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann

Related Words

• cushion
• isolate
• seclude
• sequester
• shield
• wrap