verb B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

disconnect

dihs-kuh-NEHKT

Disconnect (verb) means to break a connection between two things, such as a cable or a phone call. Example: “Please disconnect the cable before moving the printer.”

verb

To break a connection between two things, such as a cable or a phone call.

"Please disconnect the cable before moving the printer."

"The call disconnected right as she was about to explain."

noun

A gap or mismatch between two things that should line up.

"There's a real disconnect between what managers promise and what employees experience."

How to use disconnect

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo break a link (verb), or a mismatch/gap between two things (noun).

Common pairings

disconnect from a disconnect between disconnect the power

Word forms

disconnected past tense, disconnects plural, disconnects singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Please _____ the cable before moving the printer.

Etymology

Built from dis- plus connect, ultimately from Latin connectere, "to bind together."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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decouple detach disengage rip off tear off unconnect uncouple unfasten unhitch

Antonyms

adhere join connect

Related words

break union link focus join separate fix tie

Rhymes for disconnect

connect reconnect

See all rhymes for disconnect →

Frequently asked questions

What does “disconnect” mean?

The word “disconnect” means to break a connection between two things, such as a cable or a phone call. In plain terms, to break a link (verb), or a mismatch/gap between two things (noun).

How do you pronounce “disconnect”?

“Disconnect” is pronounced dihs-kuh-NEHKT (/dɪskəˈnɛkt/ in IPA).

How do you use “disconnect” in a sentence?

Here is “disconnect” used in a sentence: “Please disconnect the cable before moving the printer.”

What is another word for “disconnect”?

Words with a similar meaning to “disconnect” include decouple, detach, disengage, rip off, tear off and unconnect.

What is the opposite of “disconnect”?

The opposite of “disconnect” — its antonyms — are adhere, join and connect.

What part of speech is “disconnect”?

Depending on how it is used, “disconnect” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “disconnect” come from?

The word “disconnect” comes from Latin. Built from dis- plus connect, ultimately from Latin connectere, "to bind together.".

Is “disconnect” a common word?

“Disconnect” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

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break union link focus join separate fix tie