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.

---

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)

---

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

Example Sentences

There’s nothing so sweet about it that you do feel a little disconnected.

From Los Angeles Times

Those anchored in religion or heritage may find guidance in old customs, but the author and her family, like so many others, appear to have only shallow connections to disparate, disconnected notions.

From The Wall Street Journal

It now sees a disconnect between the share price and fundamentals, and argues there are higher anticipated relative returns elsewhere.

From The Wall Street Journal

But the fear of missing out, or “FOMO,” that comes with disconnecting can be equally daunting, some say.

From Los Angeles Times

Before she could say anything, “a client I’d been trying to reach all day was calling in. I said to Laura, ‘Sorry, I have to call you back,’ and disconnected, literally leaving her hanging.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• cut off
• detach
• disengage
• sever