Word
disconnect
Phoneticsdis·con·nect, stress on the third syllable
US/dɪskəˈnɛkt/
UK/dˌɪskənˈɛkt/
Definitions
01to sever a physical link
B1 · Intermediate
v. to break the physical or technical connection between two things.
v. to sever or interrupt a physical, mechanical, or technical connection. Transitive — requires a direct object.
“You should disconnect the battery before you try to fix the car engine.”
“The technician had to disconnect the main server from the network to prevent the virus from spreading to other departments.”
02to unplug from power
A2 · Elementary
v. to take a plug out of a socket or turn off the power to a machine.
v. to remove the connection between an electrical appliance and its power source.
“Always disconnect the toaster before you try to clean it.”
“Safety regulations require that all heavy machinery be disconnected from the primary power grid during routine maintenance cycles.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03a mismatch or lack of understanding
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a situation where two people or ideas do not fit together or understand each other.
n. a lack of connection, accord, or understanding between two parties or concepts; a significant mismatch.
“There is a big disconnect between what the boss says and what she actually does.”
“Economists noted a worrying disconnect between rising corporate profits and the stagnating wages of the average worker.”
Synonyms
04an electrical switch
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technology Technical
n. a switch used to turn off electricity to a specific part of a system.
n. a device or switch designed to isolate a specific portion of an electrical circuit for safety or maintenance.
“The electrician pulled the disconnect to ensure the wires were safe to touch.”
“The industrial HVAC system includes a dedicated service disconnect located within sight of the unit to comply with safety codes.”
Synonyms
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'between' to identify the two conflicting elements.
Real-World Examples
“Scholars have offered different explanations for this disconnect between what people say they want and what they are willing to do about it.” “Mohamed Salah seemed disconnected from the rest of the forward line.” “None of these themes can truly be disconnected from the others or studied separately.” Etymology
From dis- + connect.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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