disconnect

1 of 2

verb

dis·​con·​nect ˌdis-kə-ˈnekt 

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: to become detached or withdrawn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

ˌdis-kə-ˈnek-shən 

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 country.

—Robert J. Samuelson

Synonyms of disconnect

Verb

• divide
• separate
• split
• resolve
• sever

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

Verb

The person knocked on the door and was let in by Chavez, and the video recording device was disconnected about 10 minutes later, investigators have said. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026

Tesla data showed Burke’s iPhone disconnecting from the vehicle on July 29, 2025, shortly before a neighbor’s camera recorded him walking back toward his home. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026

Noun

But the disconnect between mining investments across Africa and economic benefits for local and national economies has created project risk, with disputes over land and benefit-sharing delaying developments and raising costs. — Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 24 July 2026

Voice and messaging have traditionally been viewed as separate channels, but customers no longer experience them that way, and bad actors are increasingly exploiting the disconnect. — Scott Hambuchen, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1751, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1982, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for disconnect

• architect
• circumspect
• deselect
• dialect
• disinfect
• disrespect
• incorrect
• indirect
• intellect
• interject
• intersect
• pluperfect

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