insulate
Americanverb (used with object)
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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.
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to place in an isolated situation or condition; segregate.
verb
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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
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to isolate or detach
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"It's challenging as our supply chains are complex, in an insulating jacket there are120 components. To make sure the products are PFAS-free we have to make sure the entire production line is cleaned," she said.
From BBC
Part of what insulates international organizations from the consequences of their bad decisions is the broad legal immunity they enjoy.
The announcements were intended to insulate those Gulf states from Iranian retaliation if the Americans strike.
"Investors and global central banks have... favoured gold as their reserve currency of choice, which they believe insulates them from US policy dependence," says Wall.
From BBC
The San Francisco company also deposited $500 million into its litigation escrow account, which was established to insulate the company from financial liability for certain litigation cases.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
