insulate
UK: ˈɪnsjʊleɪt | US: ˈɪnsəleɪt
vt. to protect or shield something from outside influences, especially heat, electricity, or sound
vt. to set apart or isolate someone or something socially or intellectually
insulate = insul<island> + ate<verb suffix>
- insul (from Latin insula, meaning "island") → metaphorically implies separation or isolation, as an island is detached from the mainland.
- ate (a verb-forming suffix in English, indicating action or process).
Etymology Origin:
The word insulate traces back to the Latin insula (island), reflecting the idea of creating a barrier or isolation—much like an island is naturally separated from its surroundings. The suffix -ate transforms the noun into a verb, emphasizing the action of isolating or protecting. Over time, the term expanded from physical isolation (e.g., thermal insulation) to abstract contexts (e.g., social insulation).
The house was well insulated to keep the cold out during winter.
Rubber is often used to insulate electrical wires.
Wealth can sometimes insulate people from the struggles of everyday life.
The scientist worked in an insulated lab to avoid contamination.
Parents should not insulate children from all challenges; they need to learn resilience.