unplug

/ˌʌnˈplʌɡ/ (bre, ipa) · [ənplˈʌɡ] /ˌʌnˈplʌɡ/ (ame, ipa) · [ənplˈʌɡ] /ˌən-ˈpləg How to pronounce unplug (audio)/ (ame, mw)

unplug — verb

  • unplugpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • unplugshe / she / it
  • unpluggedpast simple
  • unplugging-ing form

1. to stop the flow of electricity to a device by pulling its plug away from the wa

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

to stop the flow of electricity to a device by pulling its plug away from the wall outlet.

例句

Noor unplugged the kettle before cleaning the kitchen counter.

Before fixing the lamp, make sure you unplug it from the wall socket.

imperative: 'make sure you unplug [device]' as a safety instruction

同義詞
  • disconnect

    broader in meaning — can refer to cables, wifi, or phone lines; not specific to pulling a plug from a socket

  • detach

    more general — refers to separating any two connected items, not just electrical ones

反義詞
  • plug in

    the direct opposite action of inserting a plug into a socket

  • connect

    general opposite; can mean joining cables, devices, or electrical circuits

文法句型

unplug + noun phrase (the electrical device)

用法筆記

The object of this sense must be the device itself (the toaster, the lamp, the phone) or its power cord — not the socket or wall outlet.

常見錯誤

❌I unplugged the plug from the wall.
✅I unplugged the kettle from the wall.
💡'unplug' takes the device or cable as the object, not the plug itself.

2. to remove something that is blocking a pipe, drain, or other passage, so that li

2.動詞及物B1
釋義

to remove something that is blocking a pipe, drain, or other passage, so that liquid or air can flow through it again.

例句

The plumber used a special metal tool to unplug the bathroom drain.

professional: plumber unplugging a drain with a tool

Naoko unplugged the kitchen sink by pouring hot water and baking soda down it.

household method: unplug a sink using [substance]

同義詞
  • unblock

    essentially the same meaning; slightly more common in British English

  • unclog

    specifically for thick or sticky blockages in drains and pipes

  • clear

    more general term; works for any kind of obstruction

反義詞
  • block

    the opposite action of obstructing a passage

  • clog

    more specific — to fill a pipe or drain with sticky or solid material

文法句型

unplug + noun phrase (pipe, drain, sink, gutter, hose)

用法筆記

Common objects: pipe, drain, sink, gutter, hose, toilet. Unlike sense 1 (DISCONNECT APPLIANCE), this sense involves removing a physical obstruction, not disconnecting electricity.

常見錯誤

❌I unplugged the kitchen sink' (when talking about the electrical garbage disposal).
✅I unplugged the kitchen sink by clearing the blocked pipe.
💡specify the method to avoid confusion with sense 1.