insulate

/ˈɪnsjuleɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪnsəleɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈin(t)-sə-ˌlāt/ (ame, mw)

insulate — verb

  • insulatepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • insulateshe / she / it
  • insulatedpast simple
  • insulating-ing form

1. to add a layer of material around an object, building, or wire so that heat, col

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

to add a layer of material around an object, building, or wire so that heat, cold, sound, or electricity cannot easily pass through

例句

The workers insulated the attic with thick fiberglass sheets to keep the heat inside.

insulate + noun + with + material

Emeka insulated the copper wires with rubber tubing before connecting them to the fuse box.

同義詞
  • protect

    broader meaning; does not specifically refer to a barrier layer against energy transfer

  • wrap

    focuses on the action of covering rather than the insulating property of the material

  • lag

    dated or technical, used mainly for pipes and boilers in British English

反義詞
  • expose

    to leave without protective covering, allowing energy to pass through freely

文法句型

insulate + noun + with + material

insulate + noun + against/from + noun

用法筆記

Most often used in the passive (be insulated) when describing buildings or systems. The material is introduced by with; the element being blocked uses against or from.

常見錯誤

❌We insulated the room from keep warm.
✅We insulated the room to keep it warm.
💡Use 'to + verb' for purpose, not 'from + verb'.
❌They insulated the wire with not getting shocked.
✅They insulated the wire to prevent electric shocks.
💡Never use 'with' to introduce a purpose clause.

2. to keep a person, group, or organization away from unpleasant events or dangerou

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to keep a person, group, or organization away from unpleasant events or dangerous influences so that they are not affected by them

例句

Wealthy families can afford to insulate their children from many of life's hardships.

insulate + noun + from + noun (the thing kept away)

The ambassador tried to insulate the refugees from the political conflict outside the camp.

同義詞
  • shield

    suggests an active, defensive barrier against something directly threatening

  • shelter

    implies providing a safe refuge, often with a sense of care

  • protect

    the most general term; does not imply a layer or barrier between

反義詞
  • expose

    to leave unprotected and open to harm or influence

文法句型

insulate + noun + from + noun

用法筆記

Object is typically a person, group, or institution. The preposition from introduces the source of harm; against is also possible but less common. Frequently carries a judgment that the protection may be excessive or artificial.

常見錯誤

❌The program insulates young people violence.
✅The program insulates young people from violence.
💡The preposition 'from' is required between the verb and the source of harm.
❌The manager insulated the team of criticism.
✅The manager insulated the team from criticism.
💡Use 'from', not 'of', after 'insulate'.

3. to place someone or something in a separate situation where they are cut off fro

3.動詞及物C1
釋義

to place someone or something in a separate situation where they are cut off from contact or communication with others

例句

The research team was insulated from the rest of the company in a separate building.

passive: be insulated from + noun

Pablo felt that his high-ranking job insulated him from the everyday concerns of ordinary people.

同義詞
  • isolate

    more common and direct; 'insulate' in this sense carries an added nuance of being set apart by a surrounding barrier

  • separate

    broader meaning; does not emphasize a complete barrier or enclosure

  • cut off

    informal; suggests preventing contact or communication entirely

反義詞
  • integrate

    to bring together into a unified whole

  • connect

    to establish contact or communication between

文法句型

insulate + noun + from + noun

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 2: this sense focuses on physical or social separation without implying protection. The subject is often a location, barrier, or structural arrangement. The from-phrase names what the person or thing is separated from.

常見錯誤

❌The farm insulated the sick animals of the healthy ones.
✅The farm insulated the sick animals from the healthy ones.
💡Use 'from', not 'of', for separation.
❌They insulated the prisoner alone.
✅They insulated the prisoner from the other inmates.
💡Specify what the person or thing is separated from using a 'from' phrase.