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

Example Sentences

China and Japan have significant strategic stockpiles of crude but will not be fully insulated especially as there is derivative upward pressure on gas, and even coal, substitutes.

From MarketWatch

But the biggest guzzlers in the continent have been somewhat insulated, through planning and diplomacy.

From BBC

“Downside risks are also starting to mount,” Munoz writes, citing a slowing labor market and equity market declines that may even hurt more insulated, high-income consumers.

From Barron's

But there was no insulating the sounds: the wail of a baby, the din of radios, the angry words of a family quarrel.

From Literature

Russia will likely seek to further insulate its drone program from future Iran-related shocks.

From Barron's

Related Words

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