insulate

verb

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

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

Synonyms of insulate

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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.
Double-pane windows do a much better job of insulating your home. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 July 2026 If freezing temperatures are predicted, pick any ripe fruit and cover the trunks of young trees with burlap or newspaper to insulate them. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 July 2026 This immense infrastructure moat tends to insulate them from new competitors and secures their market dominance. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 8 July 2026 That’s when Champion made thick cotton tops with hoods to help keep butchers warm in meat lockers and construction crews insulated during periods of cold outdoor labor. — Faran Krentcil, InStyle, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for insulate

Word History

Etymology

Latin insula

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insulate was in 1742

Rhymes for insulate

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Browse Nearby Words

insulary
insulate
insulating board
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Cite this Entry

“Insulate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insulate. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of insulate for Spanish Speakers

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