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Synonyms

unplug

American  
[uhn-pluhg] / ʌnˈplʌg /

verb (used with object)

unplugged, unplugging
  1. to remove a plug or stopper from.

  2. to free of an obstruction; unclog.

    a pill to unplug clogged arteries.

  3. to disconnect (an appliance, a telephone, etc.) by removing its plug from an outlet.

    to unplug a toaster.

  4. to remove (an electric plug with its cord) from an outlet.


verb (used without object)

unplugged, unplugging
  1. to become unplugged.

  2. to refrain from using digital or electronic devices for a period of time.

    It's a great place to relax and unplug.

unplug British  
/ ʌnˈplʌɡ /

verb

  1. to disconnect (an electrical appliance) by taking the plug out of the socket

  2. to remove a plug or obstruction from

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • unpluggable adjective

Etymology

Origin of unplug

First recorded in 1765–75; un- 2 + plug

Vocabulary lists containing unplug

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I understand that it’s difficult in today’s digitized world for diners to unplug their devices and lose themselves in the moment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 3, 2026

People in their teens and early 20s are increasingly turning to old school tech in a bid to unplug from the online world.

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2025

Either way, the main point is the same: unplug, tune in to your senses and pay attention.

From Salon • Nov. 18, 2025

But let’s address your actual question, which is: If everyone wants to unplug, why are they still plugged in?

From MarketWatch • Oct. 17, 2025

I’ve seen her do stuff like this before—fix leaky pipes, unplug a clogged sink, or smack a glob of spackle on a hole in the wall.

From "Blended" by Sharon M. Draper