insulate

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

verb (used with object)

, in·su·lat·ed, in·su·lat·ing.

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 Words From

• non·insu·lating adjective
• pre·insu·late verb (used with object) preinsulated preinsulating
• re·insu·late verb (used with object) reinsulated reinsulating
• super·insu·lated adjective
• un·insu·lated adjective
• well-insu·lated 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

Instead, caterers typically deliver insulated boxes full of stainless steel containers, which then get rinsed out and returned at the end of the day.

From Salon

Each franchise examines the corrosive nature of power when it’s consolidated into an insulated ruling class or, worse, one ill-suited custodian.

From Salon

Hence Trump’s cynical strategy to slip him into position through a recess appointment, which would insulate him from a full background investigation and an excoriating examination by Democrats.

From Los Angeles Times

The real purpose here is to insulate the snowflake-fragile egos of men who cannot feel mighty unless a woman pretends — or is forced to pretend — that she's weak.

From Salon

“The whole question of how to better insulate the house is a real mystery to me,” says Mr Duffy, a director of sustainability think-tank Citizen Network.

From BBC

Related Words

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