Unplugging Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unplugging

[สŒnหˆplสŒษกษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

removing device

Unplugging refers to the action of disconnecting an electrical device from its power source by removing its plug from an outlet. This can often be done for safety, maintenance, or conservation purposes. It is commonly used in the context of consumer electronics and household appliances.

Synonyms

detaching, disconnect, removing.

Examples of usage

  • I am unplugging my charger from the wall.
  • Make sure to unplug the toaster after use.
  • He is unplugging the laptop to take it outside.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies have shown that taking breaks from screens can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance creativity.
  • Digital detoxes, which often include unplugging, have been linked to better sleep patterns and increased overall well-being.

Pop Culture

  • Popular trends like 'digital detox retreats' encourage participants to unplug for a weekend or longer to reconnect with nature and personal reflections.
  • Characters in films and books often find clarity and peace by unplugging, representing a common desire to escape digital chaos.

Technology

  • The rise of wellness apps advocating for unplugging time has influenced many to prioritize mental health over constant connectivity.
  • Tech companies have introduced features allowing users to monitor their screen time, prompting a cultural shift towards mindful tech usage.

Social Trends

  • Unplugging has become a common practice in mindfulness and wellness movements, promoting inner peace by encouraging time away from technology.
  • Communities now organize unplugged events, like outdoor retreats, to encourage participants to engage with each other without screens.

Origin of 'unplugging'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'unplugging' originally comes from the action of disconnecting an electrical device from a power source.
  • It evolved into a metaphor for stepping away from digital devices in the early 2000s as technology became more prevalent.

The word 'unplugging' is derived from the prefix 'un-', which means to reverse an action, and 'plug', which traces its origin to the Middle English word 'ploge' from the 1200s, and it likely stems from the Old North French term 'ploge', which means to thrust in or to poke. The combination of these elements reflects the act of physically pulling a plug out of an outlet or device, effectively stopping the flow of electricity. As electrical devices became more prevalent in homes and industries, the term gained significance in discussions around device safety, energy conservation, and maintenance practices. In more recent years, the notion of 'unplugging' has also taken on a cultural dimension, often encouraging people to disconnect from digital devices and reconnect with the physical world.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,209, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.