verb

insulate

IHNS-yuu-layt

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Insulate (verb) means to cover or surround something with material to stop heat, cold, sound, or electricity from passing through. Example: “They insulated the attic to cut down on heating bills.”

verb

To cover or surround something with material to stop heat, cold, sound, or electricity from passing through.

"They insulated the attic to cut down on heating bills."

To protect someone or something from a harmful or unwanted influence.

"The company tried to insulate itself from market volatility."

How to use insulate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo wrap something to block a transfer (heat, sound, electricity), or to shield someone from a bad influence.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "isolate" — insulate is about blocking transfer of energy or effects, isolate is about physical or social separation. They share the same Latin root.

Easily confused with

isolate →

Common pairings

insulate a house insulate against insulated wire

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Third person singular: insulates
Past tense: insulated

Test yourself on “insulate” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

They _____ the attic to cut down on heating bills.

Etymology

From Latin insula, "island," plus the -ate suffix — the idea of turning something into its own isolated "island."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

View more →

isolate

Related words

separate isolate sequester

Rhymes for insulate

ate date rate mate abate slate plate state create update locate emirate

See all rhymes for insulate →

Frequently asked questions

What does “insulate” mean?

The word “insulate” means to cover or surround something with material to stop heat, cold, sound, or electricity from passing through. In plain terms, to wrap something to block a transfer (heat, sound, electricity), or to shield someone from a bad influence.

How do you pronounce “insulate”?

“Insulate” is pronounced IHNS-yuu-layt (/ˈɪnsʊleɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “insulate” in a sentence?

Here is “insulate” used in a sentence: “They insulated the attic to cut down on heating bills.”

What is another word for “insulate”?

Words with a similar meaning to “insulate” include isolate.

What part of speech is “insulate”?

“Insulate” is a verb.

Where does the word “insulate” come from?

The word “insulate” comes from Latin. From Latin insula, "island," plus the -ate suffix — the idea of turning something into its own isolated "island.".

How many meanings does “insulate” have?

“Insulate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to cover or surround something with material to stop heat, cold, sound, or electricity from passing through.

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