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REFERENCE

connect

v. · n.
US //kəˈnɛkt// UK //kənˈɛkt// con·nect
  1. 1 to join physically (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to join two or more things together so they stay in place.

    to join or fasten two or more objects together physically; can be used transitively or intransitively.

    Example

    You need to connect the printer to your computer using this cable.

    Example

    The engineer explained how the two structural components connect to ensure the bridge remains stable during high winds.
  2. 2 technology/internet (v.)
    A2 Elementary Computing

    to link a device to a network or the internet.

    to establish a communication link between a device and a network or circuit.

    Example

    The tablet will automatically connect to the home Wi-Fi.

    Example

    Once the server is back online, the remote terminals will attempt to connect and synchronise the latest transaction data.
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  1. 3 to link ideas (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to see or show a relationship between two different things or ideas.

    to associate or establish a logical relationship between distinct concepts or events.

    Example

    It is hard to connect these two events because they happened years apart.

    Example

    The detective struggled to connect the suspect to the crime scene, as there was no physical evidence linking them together.
    • dissociate
  2. 4 travel (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to catch a second plane, bus, or train to continue your journey.

    to switch from one vehicle or transport service to another as part of a continuous journey.

    Example

    We have to connect in Frankfurt for our flight to Tokyo.

    Example

    The passenger was worried that the delay in the first leg of the trip would make it impossible to connect with the final ferry.
  3. 5 to hit a target (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    to successfully hit something you are aiming at.

    to make successful contact with a target, such as a ball or an opponent.

    Example

    The batter managed to connect with the ball and hit it into the outfield.

    Example

    The boxer failed to connect with his left hook, leaving himself vulnerable to a quick counter-attack from his opponent.
  4. 6 a helpful contact (n.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal

    a person you know who can help you get something you need.

    a person who acts as a source for goods, services, or information; often used in the context of illegal or hard-to-find items.

    Example

    I have a connect in the city who can get us front-row tickets.

    Example

    He claimed to have a connect at the record label who could get their demo heard by the main producers.

    Usage

    Often used with the definite article 'the' or a possessive like 'my'.
Origin

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *ḱe Proto-Indo-European *ḱóm Proto-Italic *kom Proto-Italic *kom- Latin con- Latin nectō Latin cōnectō Latin connectō English connect From Latin connectere (“fasten together”), from con- (“together”) + nectere (“bind”), which is cognate with English knot and English knit.

Word family
Idioms2 entries

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