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

The sector is insulated from a weak labor market, and will benefit from an uptick in corporate activity, the analysts say.

From The Wall Street Journal

The region and the world have tried to insulate themselves from further shocks.

From The Wall Street Journal

While England had made heavy weather of building a lead, they seemed well insulated against such a seismic shock with an 18-10 advantage and a little more than 20 minutes left.

From BBC

Local officials remain confident the project will come to fruition, but its struggles show that public-private partnerships, however welcome, can’t be insulated from market forces and politics.

From The Wall Street Journal

Analysts view Samsara as insulated from AI disruption due to its vertical integration and proprietary data, despite industry valuation drops.

From Barron's

Related Words

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