insulate

[in-suh-leyt, ins-yuh-]

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.

insulate

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of insulate¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of insulate¹

C16: from Late Latin insulātus: made into an island

Example Sentences

Since replacing windows can cost enough arms and legs to make a human centipede, it’s worth looking into adding interior insulating layers to your existing windows.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It’s still short-sighted, Erin argued: “There’s no amount of ‘pick me’ that’s going to save you or insulate you from the core ideology of these people.

Read more on Salon

Served Vacuum Insulated Pitcher – Lukewarm drinks are nowhere to be found when you use the Served vacuum insulated pitcher.

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Because the contest for the attention of internet users “has forced Meta to invest gobs of cash to keep up, the answer is clear: Meta is not a monopolist insulated from competition.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A cold tank is a refrigerated storage section inside a tanker, which is normally heavily insulated.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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