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

Then there are the theater industry giants in big cities and suburban malls, which have automated, insulated and homogenized the moviegoing experience for most Americans.

From Salon

One benefit: This is an “all weather” trade, meaning it is somewhat insulated from what happens in the U.S.

From MarketWatch

For transformers of all sizes, sourcing additional materials such as grain-oriented electrical steel and high-purity, insulated copper wire is difficult, as is increasing factory output and hiring, said Benjamin Boucher, senior analyst at Wood Mackenzie.

From The Wall Street Journal

Despite the steps to insulate themselves, dire warnings poured in from diplomats and government experts around the world.

From Salon

Over almost four years of war, Moscow has developed a parallel system of shipping, trading and payments for oil exports that insulates them from Western sanctions.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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