Definition

To cover or surround something to stop heat, electricity, or sound from passing through it.

Example

We need to insulate the house to keep it warm in winter.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I heard that you need to insulate your house for the winter.

Yeah, I want to keep the heat in and save on energy bills.

That's smart! What materials are you planning to use to insulate it?

I’m thinking about using foam boards and some old blankets.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Insulate is formed from "in-" (meaning into or not) and "salire" (meaning to jump or leap). The word describes the act of preventing something from jumping or leaping into another, thus providing protection or separation.

Memory Tip

Think of something being kept 'not' ('in-') able to 'jump' ('salire') into another area — that's why insulate means to protect or separate.

Visually Confused Words