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

The intent is to foster collaboration, but it’s often easy for employees working from home or from another office to feel, well, remote, and disconnected.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“They’re looking for something that gives them a reason to disconnect.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Thursday’s earlier disconnect between Bitcoin and the broader market’s movement is partly due to how crypto is traded.

Read more on Barron's

Corebridge Financial found a huge disconnect between Americans’ longevity expectations and their retirement expectations.

Read more on MarketWatch

“We’re all three-dimensional. Look at yourself—a piece of a Ghanaian goddess inside of you, and yet you feel disconnected from your culture. Go figure.”

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• cut off 
• detach 
• disengage 
• sever