disconnect

1 of 2

verb

dis·​con·​nect ˌdis-kə-ˈnekt How to pronounce disconnect (audio)
disconnected; disconnecting; disconnects

transitive verb

1
: to sever the connection of or between
2
: dissociate sense 1
are disconnected from meaningful relationships

intransitive verb

1
: to terminate a connection
2
: to become detached or withdrawn
disconnects into dark moods
disconnection noun

disconnect

2 of 2

noun

: a lack of or a break in connection, consistency, or agreement
a huge disconnect … between the nation's capital and the rest of the countryR. J. Samuelson

Examples of disconnect in a Sentence

Verb The hose and faucet had been disconnected. Disconnect the old printer and connect the new one. The alarm system had been disconnected. Before starting, be sure to disconnect the power supply. Our landlord threatened to disconnect our electricity. We were talking on the phone but suddenly we got disconnected.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
The 32-page document includes a toll free number for getting in touch with remote operators, a visual guide for disabling the vehicle’s autonomous mode, and instructions for how to disconnect the high-voltage battery. Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 13 Dec. 2024 If your toilet stops flushing, take off the tank lid and investigate the parts connected to the handle to see if anything is disconnected or broken. Rabekah Henderson, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2024
Noun
This disconnect often harmed workflows, which slowed down the building process and made the result hard to use. Goran Paun, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 The persistent economic pessimism highlights a disconnect between conventional performance metrics and the way Americans perceive their financial reality. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for disconnect 

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1751, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1982, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disconnect was in 1751

Dictionary Entries Near disconnect

Cite this Entry

“Disconnect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disconnect. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

disconnect

verb
dis·​con·​nect
ˌdis-kə-ˈnekt
: to undo or break the connection of
disconnect two pipes
disconnect a telephone
disconnection
-ˈnek-shən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on disconnect

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!