English Reference
Verb

unplug

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ənˈpɫəɡ/ UK /ʌnplˈʌɡ/ un·plug UK spelling unplugs

v.to disconnect a device from its power source or from the internet. You do this to save energy or to take a break from technology.

v.to disconnect an electrical device from its power supply or to disconnect from a network or service. Often used in the context of digital detoxes or energy conservation.


SIMPLE

I need to unplug my phone to charge it fully.

CONTEXTUAL

After working for eight hours straight, she decided to unplug her laptop and take a walk outside.

COMPLEX

The environmental campaign encourages residents to unplug their idle appliances to reduce standby power consumption and lower their monthly electricity bills.


From un- + plug.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated