disconnect

1 of 2

verb

dis·​con·​nect ˌdis-kə-ˈnekt 

disconnected; disconnecting; disconnects

transitive verb

1

: to sever the connection of or between

2

: dissociate sense 1

are disconnected from meaningful relationships

intransitive verb

1

: to terminate a connection

2

: to become detached or withdrawn

disconnects into dark moods

disconnection

ˌdis-kə-ˈnek-shən 

noun

disconnect

2 of 2

noun

: a lack of or a break in connection, consistency, or agreement

a huge disconnect … between the nation's capital and the rest of the country

—R. J. Samuelson

Synonyms

Verb

• break up
• decouple
• disassociate
• disjoin
• disjoint
• dissever
• dissociate
• disunite
• divide
• divorce
• part
• ramify
• resolve
• separate
• sever
• split
• sunder
• uncouple
• unlink
• unyoke

Examples of disconnect in a Sentence

Verb

The hose and faucet had been disconnected.

Disconnect the old printer and connect the new one.

The alarm system had been disconnected.

Before starting, be sure to disconnect the power supply.

Our landlord threatened to disconnect our electricity.

We were talking on the phone but suddenly we got disconnected.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Some folks feel the need to fully disconnect from the digital world to understand this boundary. —Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2024

To find time to disconnect, clear your mind and focus your thoughts. —Nazar Gulyk, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Noun

Janelle Brown is opening up about the disconnect between her family and Meri Brown. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024

However, in most midsize businesses, there is still a considerable disconnect in priorities. —Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1751, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1982, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

disconnect

verb

dis·​con·​nect

ˌdis-kə-ˈnekt

: to undo or break the connection of

disconnect two pipes

disconnect a telephone

disconnection

-ˈnek-shən

noun