disconnect

American  

[dis-kuh-nekt] / ˌdɪs kəˈnɛkt /

verb (used with object)

disconnected, disconnecting

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

   They disconnected the telephone. We were disconnected.

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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 British  

/ ˌdɪskəˈnɛkt /

verb

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

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noun

1. a lack of a connection; disconnection

   a disconnect between political discourse and the public

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of disconnect

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

Explanation

When you disconnect something, you detach or separate it from something else. If you work plowing driveways during the winter, you need to disconnect the plow from your truck in the spring. You can disconnect toy train cars, and you can also disconnect your laptop from its charger. In fact, unplugging electrical appliances is another way to disconnect something. Disconnect also means a lack of understanding or connection. So there might be a disconnect between you and your brother, or between what a politician promises to do and what she actually does. Disconnect combines dis-, "the opposite of" with connect, from the Latin conectere, "join together."

Example Sentences

Smart TV systems “command much higher ad rates than mobile video,” Casey Oppenheim, co-founder and CEO of the digital-privacy company Disconnect, wrote to me.

From Slate • May 3, 2026

At the center of the problem is what scientists call the "Great Disconnect."

From Science Daily • Apr. 24, 2026

Disconnect, a collaboration with Hill, has amassed 48 million streams in the UK alone.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2024

Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges or spikes when power returns, according to the U.S.

From New York Times • Sep. 28, 2022

Disconnect the apparatus, and wash the cylinder, first with cold water, then with alcohol.

From A Text-book of Assaying: For the Use of Those Connected with Mines. by Beringer, Cornelius

Related Words

• cut off
• detach
• disengage
• sever