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 high-yield bond market is the best insulated, while business development companies, or BDCs, are the most exposed.

From Barron's

“We feel really well positioned to capitalize on using AI to really further differentiate ourselves in our market, and feel well insulated for any disruption threat as well,” Hofmann said.

From Barron's

Steady consumer spending has helped insulate an economy jolted last year by sweeping trade and immigration policy changes and a weaker yet still solid labor market.

From The Wall Street Journal

They are further insulated by the 1st Amendment’s safeguards on freedom of speech.

From Los Angeles Times

"Now that China understands she will be around for a while it will be rethinking how to insulate economic relations from diplomatic spats."

From Barron's

Related Words

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