different between disconnect vs unplug

English

Etymology

dis- +? connect

Pronunciation

• (verb) IPA^(key): /d?sk??n?kt/
• (noun) IPA^(key): /d?sk??n?kt/, /?d?sk?n?kt/
• Hyphenation: dis?con?nect
• Rhymes: -?kt

Verb

disconnect (third-person singular simple present disconnects, present participle disconnecting, simple past and past participle disconnected)

1. (transitive) To sever or interrupt a connection.
2. (intransitive) Of a person, to become detached or withdrawn.
3. (transitive) To remove the connection between an appliance and an electrical power source.

Translations

Noun

disconnect (plural disconnects)

1. A break or interruption in an existing connection, continuum, or process; disconnection.
2. A switch used to isolate a portion of an electrical circuit.
3. A lack of connection or accord; a mismatch.

   There's a disconnect between what they think is happening and what is really going on.

   • 2012 October 23, David Leonhardt, "[1]," New York Times (retrieved 24 October 2012):

     Some of the disconnect between the economy’s problems and the solutions offered by Washington stem from the nature of the current political debate.

4. (Scientology) The deliberate severing of ties with family, friends, etc. considered antagonistic towards Scientology.

Usage notes

• Some object to the use of disconnect to mean “disconnection” or “a break or interruption in an existing connection, continuum, or process”, noting the lack of a corresponding sense of connect.

Synonyms

• (switch): disconnector

Antonyms

• connect

Translations

English

Etymology

un- +? plug

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?n?pl??/
• Rhymes: -??

Verb

unplug (third-person singular simple present unplugs, present participle unplugging, simple past and past participle unplugged)

1. (transitive) To disconnect from a supply, especially an electrical socket.

   To save electricity, I unplug my computer when I am not at home.

2. (intransitive) To stop using electronic devices, especially for relaxation or to reduce stress.
3. (transitive) To remove a blockage from (especially a water pipe or drain).

   I had to unplug the sink the other day: there was far too much hair and gunk down there.

Synonyms

• (disconnect from a supply): disconnect, detach
• (remove a blockage): unclog, clear

Derived terms

• unplugged

Translations