# disconnect

/dɪskəˈnɛkt/ (US) · /dˌɪskənˈɛkt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disconnect
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to sever a physical link

verb · CEFR B1

to break the physical or technical connection between two things.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. to unplug from power

verb · CEFR A2

to take a plug out of a socket or turn off the power to a machine.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. a mismatch or lack of understanding

noun · CEFR B2

a situation where two people or ideas do not fit together or understand each other.

For teachers: 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.

### 5. an electrical switch

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a switch used to turn off electricity to a specific part of a system.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- There is a big disconnect between the boss and the workers.
- Voters felt a massive disconnect between the politician's promises and the reality of their daily lives.
- The study highlights a growing disconnect between academic research and the practical needs of the industry, suggesting that theoretical models often fail to account for real-world variables.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.