DISCONNECT

gulf, disconnect, disconnection

(noun) an unbridgeable disparity (as from a failure of understanding); “he felt a gulf between himself and his former friends”; “there is a vast disconnect between public opinion and federal policy”

disconnect

(verb) make disconnected, disjoin or unfasten

unplug, disconnect

(verb) pull the plug of (electrical appliances) and render inoperable; “unplug the hair dryer after using it”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Verb

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

(transitive) To sever or interrupt a connection.

(intransitive) Of a person, to become detached or withdrawn.

(transitive) To remove the connection between an appliance and an electrical power source.

Noun

disconnect (plural disconnects)

A break or interruption in an existing connection, continuum, or process; disconnection.

A switch used to isolate a portion of an electrical circuit.

A lack of connection or accord; a mismatch.

(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

Source: Wiktionary

Dis`con*nect", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Disconnected; p. pr. & vb. n. Disconnecting.]

Definition: To dissolve the union or connection of; to disunite; to sever; to separate; to disperse. The commonwealth itself would . . . be disconnected into the dust and powder of individuality. Burke. This restriction disconnects bank paper and the precious metals. Walsh.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition