disconnect

[dis-kuh-nekt]

verb (used with object)

disconnected, disconnecting 

1. to sever or interrupt the connection of or between; detach.

   They disconnected the telephone. We were disconnected.

verb (used without object)

disconnected, disconnecting 

1. to sever or terminate a connection, as of a telephone; hang up.

   State your business and disconnect.

2. to withdraw into one's private world.

   When social pressures become too great, she simply disconnects.

noun

1. an act or instance of disconnecting, especially the suspension of telephone or cable TV service for nonpayment of service charges.

2. a lack of communication or agreement.

   There is a huge disconnect between management and employees.

disconnect

/ ˌdɪskəˈnɛkt /

verb

1. (tr) to undo or break the connection of or between (something, such as a plug and a socket)

noun

1. a lack of a connection; disconnection

   a disconnect between political discourse and the public

Other Word Forms

• disconnecter noun
• disconnective adjective
• disconnectiveness noun
• disconnection noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disconnect¹

First recorded in 1760–70; dis- ¹ + connect

Example Sentences

She's experienced this disconnect herself, she says, as a social media content creator.

From BBC

When you are working and your experiences are mostly coming through scripted, mostly fictional stuff, after a while, there’s that possibility that you start to feel a little disconnected from actual life and the world.

From Los Angeles Times

Steve: There is clearly a disconnect between the manager and the players.

From BBC

"They often experience lower self-esteem, feel disconnected from politics, and are more likely to engage in unconventional political actions that challenge existing norms," says Dr Hill.

From BBC

The study also found a "disconnect" between parents concerns over smartphone use and the types of negative experiences reported by young people.

From BBC

Related Words

• cut off 
• detach 
• disengage 
• sever