insulate

Meaning

1. To separate, detach, or isolate.
2. To separate a body or material from others, e.g. by non-conductors to prevent the transfer of electricity, heat, etc.

Synonyms

isolate

seclude

sequester

separate

quarantine

island

🏝️

marginalize

pad

rope in

seal

🦭

segregate

sequestrate

shut off

winterize

cordon off

rope off

cabin

winterise

cocoon

cut off

ghettoize

intern

Hyphenated as

in‧su‧late

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈɪnsjʊleɪt/

Etymology

From Latin īnsula (“island”) + -ate or from Late Latin īnsulātus (“made an island”); see insular. First attested in the 16th century. The general verb īnsulō (“insulate”) is attested only in New Latin and postdates the English term, but influence from an otherwise unattested Medieval Latin counterpart cannot be ruled out. Piecewise doublet of isolate.