Logout Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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logout

[ˈlaʊt ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

from online service

To exit or log off from an online account or service, typically by clicking on a designated button or link.

Synonyms

disconnect, exit, log off, sign out.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
logout	Use this term when you want to end a session on a website or application. It is commonly used in online platforms. Make sure to logout from your bank account after you are done. He didn't logout from his email on the shared computer.
log off	Similar to 'logout', this term is often used when ending a computer session, particularly on local systems or networks. Don’t forget to log off the server before leaving. She logged off her computer for the day.
sign out	Commonly used in the same context as 'logout', typically when ending a session on a website or an app. It is interchangeable with logout but slightly less technical. You need to sign out of your account before lending your phone to someone else. He forgot to sign out from the streaming service.
exit	Use this when you are leaving an application or a physical place. It is more general and not necessarily related to ending a session. Press the 'X' button to exit the program. Please exit the building through the back door.
disconnect	This is used when you want to describe cutting off a network connection, like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It has a broader meaning and can also imply ending a connection in communications. I need to disconnect my phone from the Wi-Fi before resetting the router. She felt the need to disconnect from social media for a while.

Examples of usage

I need to logout of my email account before leaving the computer.
After finishing your work, remember to logout of the system for security purposes.
Don't forget to logout of your social media accounts on public computers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

With the rise of the internet, logging out became critical for protecting personal accounts, especially with growing cybersecurity threats.
Many social media platforms include automatic logout features if they detect inactivity, enhancing user security.
Mobile apps today often have simple 'logout' buttons for convenience, contrasting with earlier systems that required more complex commands.

Psychology

Logging out can contribute to mental well-being by creating a boundary between online and offline life.
Studies show that taking breaks from digital platforms can reduce stress and improve focus when returning.
The act of logging out can symbolize completing a task, offering a sense of closure or achievement.

Pop Culture

Popular movies and series often depict hacking scenarios where characters urgently log out to protect their secrets from being stolen.
In humorous contexts, mismatched login fails and logout scenes can serve as common tropes in sitcoms addressing tech-savvy characters.
Streaming platforms often prompt users to log out, leading to funny moments in gaming or viewing parties where someone forgets to log out at a friend's house.

Literature

In various tech-related narratives, characters often face dilemmas due to failed logouts, symbolizing escape and freedom from the digital world.
Many modern books highlight the importance of digital etiquette, including the act of logging out as a means of respecting privacy and boundaries.
Emotional stories sometimes depict protagonists embarking on 'digital detoxes,' which can metaphorically translate to logging out of societal pressures.

Origin of 'logout'

Main points about word origin

The term combines 'log', referring to recording information, and 'out', meaning to exit or leave.
It gained prominence in computer terminology during the 1970s with the advent of time-sharing systems used in computing.
Initially, 'logout' was used to signify the end of a user session in mainframe computers.

The term 'logout' originated in the early days of computing, when users would physically log out of terminals or mainframes by typing a command. With the advent of online services and accounts, the concept of logging out digitally became common practice. The word 'logout' combines 'log' (record of events) and 'out' (external or away), reflecting the action of ending an online session.

See also: clog, log, logger, logging, logic, login, logjam, logo, logs, prologue, unlogged, weblog.