insulated
UK: ˈɪnsjʊleɪtɪd | US: ˈɪnsəleɪtɪd
adj. covered or surrounded by material that prevents heat, electricity, or sound from passing through
vt. (past tense of insulate) protected something by separating it from external influences
insulated = insula<island> + ate<verb suffix> + ed<past participle suffix>
- insula (Latin: "island") → Metaphorically implies isolation or separation.
- ate (verb-forming suffix) → Turns nouns/roots into verbs (e.g., "isolate" → "insulate").
- ed (past participle suffix) → Indicates completed action or state.
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin insula ("island"), the word insulate originally meant "to make into an island" (i.e., to isolate). By the 18th century, it evolved to describe physical separation, especially in electrical and thermal contexts (e.g., preventing energy transfer). The -ed form marks the passive/adjectival state of being protected.
The wires were insulated with rubber to prevent short circuits.
Insulated windows help reduce noise from the street.
She felt emotionally insulated from the chaos around her.
The thermos bottle is double-insulated to keep drinks hot.
Their wealth insulated them from the economic crisis.