disconnect
dis-kuh-NEKT
/ˌdɪskəˈnekt/
To break a connection or to separate two things that were joined.
Can be physical (wires) or metaphorical (a lack of understanding between people).
The story behind the word. From Latin 'dis-' (apart) and 'connectere' (to bind together). It has been used since the 1700s to describe the breaking of physical and logical bonds.
Word relationships
- sever: Sever is much more dramatic and usually implies a permanent or violent break.
- connect: To join or link together.
Commonly confused with
- detach: Detach usually refers to physical objects that were designed to be separated; disconnect often refers to systems or relationships.
Word family
- disconnection (noun): The state of being disconnected.
Collocations
- emotional disconnect
- disconnect the phone
- a total disconnect
Example sentences
- "Please disconnect the power cable before attempting to repair the computer." Technology
- "There is a growing disconnect between the promises of politicians and the reality of daily life." Social Commentary
Memory hook
Dis-Connect: The 'Dis' is the 'Dissing' of the connection. Break the link.
When not to use
Avoid using it for 'breaking up' with a partner unless you want to sound very cold and robotic.
Fun facts
- In the early days of telephony, a 'disconnect' was a physical act performed by an operator pulling a plug.
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