insulate

verb

in·​su·​late ˈin(t)-sə-ˌlāt How to pronounce insulate (audio)
insulated; insulating

transitive verb

: to place in a detached situation : isolate
especially : to separate from conducting bodies by means of nonconductors so as to prevent transfer of electricity, heat, or sound

Examples of insulate in a Sentence

They used a special type of fiberglass to insulate the attic. a material that is able to insulate against cold The company has tried to insulate itself from the region's political turmoil. I wish I could insulate my children from painful experiences.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In The Spotlight: Protecting Wealth Responsibly Asset protection is entirely legal, and when structured correctly, it is designed not to obscure wealth but to insulate it from unjust seizure. Blake Harris, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 The structure — the constitutionality of which was upheld by the Supreme Court last year — was meant to insulate it from politics. Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 9 July 2025 This could help democratize the state’s energy future, reduce costs for consumers and insulate the state from the kind of energy scandals that have plagued Springfield for decades. Micky Horstman, Chicago Tribune, 7 July 2025 Strategic street closures around the viewing areas are all designed to insulate the festivities from incidents like the truck-ramming attack in New Orleans that killed 14 people and injured nearly 60 others, while officers on the ground check bags for weapons. Mark Morales, CNN Money, 4 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for insulate

Word History

Etymology

Latin insula

First Known Use

circa 1741, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insulate was circa 1741

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Cite this Entry

“Insulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insulate. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

insulate

verb
in·​su·​late ˈin(t)-sə-ˌlāt How to pronounce insulate (audio)
insulated; insulating
: to place in a detached situation : isolate
especially : to separate from conducting bodies by means of nonconductors so as to prevent transfer of electricity, heat, or sound
Etymology

from Latin insula "island" — related to isle, isolate, peninsula

More from Merriam-Webster on insulate

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