unplug

verb

un·​plug ˌən-ˈpləg 

unplugged; unplugging; unplugs

transitive verb

1

a

: to take a plug out of

b

: to remove an obstruction from

2

a

: to remove (a plug, such as an electric plug) from a socket or receptacle

b

: to disconnect from an electric circuit by removing a plug

unplug the refrigerator

intransitive verb

: to temporarily refrain from using electronic devices (such as computers or smartphones)

If you go on a summer vacation, how much are you willing to truly unplug? For many of us, it can be hard to put the phone down.

—Ari Shapiro

also : to temporarily withdraw from the responsibilities and obligations of everyday life (such as work or home duties)

Think of yourself as a human being instead of a human doer and make a conscious effort to unplug and recharge.

—Bryan Robinson

Synonyms of unplug

• open
• clear

Examples of unplug in a Sentence

I forgot to unplug my guitar from the amp.

the chimney should work just fine once it is unplugged and cleaned out

Recent Examples on the Web

Societal movements, pop culture and social media—and consumers’ efforts to unplug from it—are shaping fashion in 2026, according to Trendalytics. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 Jan. 2026

But, please, go ahead and try unplugging and replugging again. —Broti Gupta, New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2026

Kontopanos also unplugs consciously by sending postcards to her family and friends, scrapbooking, and junk journaling, which involves repurposing everyday materials like tickets and receipts to document memories or ideas. —Cheyanne Mumphrey, Fortune, 17 Jan. 2026

As for the public sector, many of those services will be unplugged on the holiday, observed by some as the MLK Day of Service. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for unplug

• debug
• humbug
• prodrug
• antidrug
• mealybug
• multidrug
• chug
• doug
• drug
• dug
• hug
• jug

Kids Definition

unplug

verb

un·​plug ˌən-ˈpləg 

ˈən-

1

: to remove (as an electric plug) from a socket or opening

2

: to disconnect from an electric circuit by removing a plug

unplug the television

3

: to temporarily refrain from using electronic devices (as computers or smartphones)