Unplug: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when you need to take out a plug from an electrical socket.

• Unplug the phone charger when it's fully charged
• Always unplug the toaster after use

Used in both physical and non-physical contexts, often referring to stopping a connection.

• You should disconnect from social media to relax
• Disconnect the internet cable if it’s not working

More formal. Used for physically taking out a plug. Often used in detailed instructions.

• Please remove the plug carefully before attempting any repairs
• Remove the plug to completely shut down the machine

Informal. Used mostly metaphorically, and can imply ending a project or activity.

• After many failed attempts, they decided to pull the plug on the new software
• The company had to pull the plug on the unprofitable branch

Same word repeated. Use the previous entry for 'unplug.'

Primarily used in the context of severing a physical, electronic, or emotional connection. More formal than 'unplug' and can imply a more complete separation.

• Please disconnect the HDMI cable from the computer.
• She decided to disconnect from work emails during the vacation.

Used when one intends to pause an activity for rest and recovery. It often suggests a temporary halt and is more general than 'unplug' or 'step away.'

• It's important to take a break after working for several hours.
• During the long drive, we took a break at a rest stop.

Used to indicate physically moving away from something, usually for a short period. Commonly used to describe taking a brief break from an activity.

• I need to step away from the computer for a few minutes.
• He had to step away from the meeting to take an urgent call.