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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.

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 • Jan. 25, 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