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

Explanation

The verb insulate means "protect from heat, cold, or noise," like when you add an extra layer of clothing to insulate yourself from the cold. You can insulate a wall to keep sound out, or insulate your house to keep cold air from getting inside. So, to insulate is to protect against unwanted changes. Sometimes this can mean keeping out the influence or beliefs of other people, like a parent who tries to insulate his children from people who have different cultures or beliefs. You can see this meaning in the origin of insulate: the Latin word insula, meaning “to make into an island.”

Example Sentences

And yet, the show’s scale and the fame of the people in it may insulate it from outright failure.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

For now, China looks better-placed than most of Asia as it can insulate from the price shock thanks to factors like sizable strategic reserves and the ability to fire up coal capacity if it needs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Hiding behind the state law that seemingly legalized Villarreal’s arrest “does not and cannot insulate the officials from liability,” Sotomayor argued.

From Slate • Mar. 26, 2026

Some are pivoting to blue-collar work or starting their own businesses that may insulate them from the impacts of AI.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

We're not packed as tightly as we were upon our arrival, but it's ironic—now I wish for that closeness to insulate me from the icy air blowing in.

From "What the Night Sings" by Vesper Stamper

Related Words

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