insulate

[in-suh-leyt, ins-yuh-]

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.

insulate

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• noninsulating adjective
• preinsulate verb (used with object)
• reinsulate verb (used with object)
• superinsulated adjective
• uninsulated adjective
• well-insulated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of insulate¹

First recorded in 1530–40, insulate is from the Latin word insulātus made into an island. See insula, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of insulate¹

C16: from Late Latin insulātus: made into an island

Example Sentences

Those leaves will smother the grass as they insulate the ground and hold in moisture.

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That means the companies are relatively insulated from trends like that of consumers trading down to lower-priced products, as long as customers keep spending in aggregate.

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In August, nine Republican senators wrote Chavez-DeRemer asking the Labor Department to declare a “safe harbor” to insulate plans that offer alternative assets from lawsuits.

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The pipe is insulated, which knocks off up to 40 degrees of temperature down the hole.

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These features can insulate these loans from potentially short-lived market pressures, such as deep uncertainty about tariffs.

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Related Words

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