disconnect

[ dis-kuh-nekt ]

verb (used with object)

, dis·con·nect·ed, dis·con·nect·ing.

1. to sever or interrupt the connection of or between; detach:

   They disconnected the telephone. We were disconnected.

verb (used without object)

, dis·con·nect·ed, dis·con·nect·ing.

1. to sever or terminate a connection, as of a telephone; hang up:

   State your business and disconnect.

2. to withdraw into one's private world:

   When social pressures become too great, she simply disconnects.

noun

1. an act or instance of disconnecting, especially the suspension of telephone or cable TV service for nonpayment of service charges.
2. a lack of communication or agreement:

   There is a huge disconnect between management and employees.

disconnect

/ ˌdɪskəˈnɛkt /

verb

1. tr to undo or break the connection of or between (something, such as a plug and a socket)

noun

1. a lack of a connection; disconnection

   a disconnect between political discourse and the public

Derived Forms

• ˌdisconˈnection, noun
• ˌdisconˈnective, adjective
• ˌdisconˈnecter, noun

Other Words From

• discon·necter noun
• discon·nective adjective
• discon·nective·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disconnect¹

First recorded in 1760–70; dis- ¹ + connect

Example Sentences

That’s another disconnect that will keep the political-seminar circuit abuzz for years to come.

From Los Angeles Times

“For working people and communities of color, there was a huge disconnect between who got elected and who voters felt could actually represent them,” says Candace Avalos, an environmental justice activist also seeking a District 1 seat.

From Salon

“If I pushed her, I felt she would disconnect. She just kept saying she was fine.”

From Los Angeles Times

I feel like it's only a disconnect.

From Salon

“There is a disconnect between policymakers and real people,” he said.

From Salon

Related Words

• cut off
• detach
• disengage
• sever