What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
disconnect
Example
Please disconnect the printer from the computer. [disconnect: verb]
Example
There seems to be a disconnect between what the company promises and what it delivers. [disconnect: noun]
dissociate
Example
He decided to dissociate himself from the controversial group. [dissociate: verb]
Example
She felt dissociated from her own body during the traumatic event. [dissociated: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disconnect is more commonly used than dissociate in everyday language, especially in technical or practical contexts. Dissociate is less common and more specialized, often used in psychology or social sciences.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between disconnect and dissociate?
Dissociate is generally considered more formal than disconnect, which is more neutral and informal in tone.
