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.
In the short run, they are relatively insulated from high gas prices.
Even if they prove fairly insulated from a wipeout, they do stand to lose significant business from the whole mess.
Even if they prove fairly insulated from a wipeout, they do stand to lose significant business from the whole mess.
In many ways, the American economy is better insulated from the pinch in Persian Gulf exports than other parts of the world because the U.S. is less directly dependent on Mideast suppliers, notably in energy.
That means there are “few places insulated” from the impact of this oil shock, said Meir.
From MarketWatch
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.
