Unplug
Meaning: To deliberately disconnect from technology and digital devices.
Unplugging means intentionally stepping away from phones, computers, and social media. It's often framed as a wellness practice — a 'digital detox.' Americans increasingly recognize the need to unplug, even as screen time keeps rising. Weekend getaways, camping trips, and 'no-phone zones' are all ways people try to unplug.
Examples
- I'm going to unplug this weekend — no phone, no emails, nothing. 这个周末我要断网——不看手机、不查邮件,什么都不碰。Voy a desconectar este fin de semana — nada de móvil, ni correos, nada.今週末はデジタルデトックスする——スマホもメールも一切なし。이번 주말은 디지털 디톡스 할 거야——폰도 이메일도 아무것도 안 해.
- She unplugged for a whole month and said it changed her life. 她断网了整整一个月,说这改变了她的人生。Ella desconectó durante un mes entero y dijo que le cambió la vida.彼女は丸1ヶ月デジタルデトックスして、人生が変わったって言ってた。그녀는 한 달 내내 디지털 디톡스를 하고 나서 인생이 바뀌었다고 했어.
- We need to unplug more — we're all way too attached to our screens. 我们得多断断网——大家都太沉迷屏幕了。Necesitamos desconectar más — estamos todos demasiado enganchados a las pantallas.もっとデジタルデトックスしないと——みんな画面に依存しすぎだよ。우리 디지털 디톡스를 더 해야 해——다들 화면에 너무 중독됐어.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: wellness, vacation, self-care, digital detox
Tone: mindful, refreshing
✓ Do Say
- I need to unplug for a while.我需要断网一阵子。Necesito desconectar un rato.しばらくデジタルデトックスが必要だ。좀 쉬면서 디지털 디톡스 좀 해야 해.
- It felt great to unplug on vacation.度假的时候断了网,感觉棒极了。Sentó genial desconectar en vacaciones.休暇中にデジタルデトックスできて最高だった。휴가 때 디지털 디톡스하니까 정말 좋았어.
✗ Don't Say
- Don't announce you're unplugging on social media and then keep posting — it defeats the purpose别在社交媒体上宣布自己要断网,然后继续发帖——这完全背离了初衷No anuncies que vas a desconectar en redes sociales y luego sigas publicando — eso va en contra del propósitoSNSでデジタルデトックス宣言しておいて投稿し続けるのは本末転倒だSNS에 디지털 디톡스 하겠다고 올려놓고 계속 게시물을 올리면 의미가 없다
Origin & History
The metaphorical use of 'unplug' for disconnecting from technology became common in the 2010s as smartphone addiction became a recognized issue. The 'National Day of Unplugging' was established in 2010.
Cultural Context
Era: 2010s onwards
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
More From This Topic
More from Technology & Internet
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free