disconnect
- 01 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.
Simple“You should disconnect the battery before you try to fix the car engine.”
In context“The technician had to disconnect the main server from the network to prevent the virus from spreading to other departments.”
- 02 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.
Simple“Always disconnect the toaster before you try to clean it.”
In context“Safety regulations require that all heavy machinery be disconnected from the primary power grid during routine maintenance cycles.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“There is a big disconnect between what the boss says and what she actually does.”
In context“Economists noted a worrying disconnect between rising corporate profits and the stagnating wages of the average worker.”
Synonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
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.
Simple“The electrician pulled the disconnect to ensure the wires were safe to touch.”
In context“The industrial HVAC system includes a dedicated service disconnect located within sight of the unit to comply with safety codes.”
Synonymsisolatorbreaker
“Mohamed Salah seemed disconnected from the rest of the forward line.”
“Scholars have offered different explanations for this disconnect between what people say they want and what they are willing to do about it.”
From dis- + connect.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.