Disconnect

Pronunciation

• verb UK IPA: /dɪskəˈnÉ›kt/
• noun UK IPA: /ˈdɪskÉ™nÉ›kt/
• Hyphenation: dis + con + nect
• Rhymes: -É›kt

Origin

- + connect

Full definition of disconnect

Noun

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, "http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/24/us/politics/race-for-president-leaves-income-slump-in-shadows.html?_r=1&hp," 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.

Synonyms

• (switch) disconnector

Antonyms

• connect

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.

Verb

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 (intransitive) Of a person, to become detached or withdrawn.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.