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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

• unpluggable adjective

Etymology

Origin of unplug

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

Example Sentences

“That’s what I thought,” he said as he unplugged his tablet from the main computer and tucked it in his bag.

From Literature

Tens of thousands of unproductive and unplugged oil wells have been abandoned across California — many of which continue to leak potentially explosive methane or toxic benzene.

From Los Angeles Times

That makes us all time travelers of a sort, too, beacons of an increasingly distant era in which it was possible to be unplugged.

From Los Angeles Times

I crouch to unplug my own from the wall, then realize Camille is typing on my phone, not hers.

From Literature

Utilities in the Midwest on Saturday directed customers to lower thermostats, unplug “nonessential appliances,” and reduce temperature settings on electric water heaters.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• draw
• open
• penetrate
• pump
• utilize