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: to become detached or withdrawn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

—R. J. Samuelson

Synonyms

Verb

• break up
• decouple
• disassociate
• disjoin
• disjoint
• dissever
• dissociate
• disunite
• divide
• divorce
• part
• ramify
• resolve
• separate
• sever
• split
• sunder
• uncouple
• unlink
• unyoke

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 squad needs overhauling, the future of manager Ruud van Nistelrooy is uncertain, the board is disconnected from a large section of supporters and there is a divide on what action is required. —Rob Tanner, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025

This disconnect underscores that incentivizing childbirth without addressing these foundational issues risks overlooking the actual lives of mothers and children. —Aisha Nyandoro, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

Noun

This disconnect can also affect how executives lead. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 1 May 2025

The current rally in the Euro is showing signs of the same disconnect. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

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