insulate

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

Definition of insulate

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

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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

The language protects workers and employers alike by ensuring an employee has firm grounds to access the benefit, and the employer is insulated from legal liability, said commission chair Danielle Hargrove, an employment attorney. Joshua Fechter, ExpressNews.com, "San Antonio’s paid sick leave law allows time off for victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault — but advocates are worried," 23 Aug. 2019 Grab this insulated, BPA-free bottle for your child to refill between math and science or carry to the gym with a convenient, easy-to-carry loop handle! Niki Mcgloster, Essence, "Routine Ready: 7 Back-To-School Accessories Your Kids Need," 13 Aug. 2019 And in general, Republicans, many in safe rural districts or states, are relatively insulated from national political opinion on gun control, and on other issues that tend to break along urban-rural lines. New York Times, "On Guns, Public Opinion and Public Policy Often Diverge," 10 Aug. 2019 The ceiling wasn’t properly insulated—which was a disaster for heating and cooling—and that meant there was no attic space for plumbing, let alone recessed lighting. Hannah Morrill, ELLE Decor, "Sophia Bush Reveals Her Biggest Home Renovation Challenges," 9 Aug. 2019 The sturdy bread from Zingerman’s was insulated with mayo that escaped through the bread’s holes. Alex Beggs, Bon Appétit, "Secret Sandwiches Beat All Other Lunch Options," 31 July 2019 Segregation in metro Detroit Growing up in metro Detroit, Newman was insulated from the sort of issues dealt with in her movie. Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Oscar winner's movie, 'Skin,' stars Jamie Bell and confronts white supremacy," 21 July 2019 The house is insulated with spray foam, even in the garage. Carla Jean Whitley, al.com, "See inside this luxurious Smith Lake home," 20 July 2019 By and large, the organization has indeed remained fairly insulated from direct political manipulation. NBC News, "Trump isn't the first president to try to influence the Federal Reserve," 5 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'insulate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of insulate

circa 1741, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for insulate

Latin insula

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More Definitions for insulate

insulate

verb

English Language Learners Definition of insulate

: to add a material or substance to (something) in order to stop heat, electricity, or sound from going into or out of it
: to prevent (someone or something) from dealing with or experiencing something : to keep (someone or something) separate from something unpleasant, dangerous, etc.

insulate

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

Kids Definition of insulate

1 : to separate from others : isolate At home he insulates himself from the city.
2 : to separate a conductor of electricity, heat, or sound from other conductors by means of something that does not allow the passage of electricity, heat, or sound insulated electrical wire

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