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

Simple precautions — avoiding unattended charging, unplugging when full, and keeping larger devices away from exits — can prevent deadly battery fires. —Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026

Eventually, the family votes to unplug the operating system (OS). —Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026

Giglio Giglio is an away-from-it-all pick that sits about an hour off the Tuscan mainland for those who really want to unplug. —Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 31 Mar. 2026

Owners are advised to use the proper equipment when charging and to unplug when the battery is fully charged. —Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 30 Mar. 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)