unlink
Medium (C1/C2)Neutral to formal, predominantly technical/computing.
Definition
Meaning
To separate or disconnect things that were joined or connected, either physically or conceptually.
To remove an association, connection, or relationship between entities (e.g., data, accounts, ideas). Most commonly used in computing contexts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily denotes a deliberate, reversible action of separation. In computing, it often implies removing a logical or symbolic link rather than destroying the connected items.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling and grammatical behavior are identical.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. Slightly more technical/conceptual than 'disconnect' or 'detach'.
Frequency
Equally medium-to-low frequency in both varieties, with a strong tilt towards technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
transitive: unlink + NP (unlink the accounts)transitive with PP: unlink + NP + from + NP (unlink your profile from the website)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms; the word itself is used literally]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The company decided to unlink its brand from the controversial partner."
Academic
"The study aims to unlink the variables of age and socioeconomic status."
Everyday
"I need to unlink my phone from the car's bluetooth system."
Technical
"Use the command 'unlink' to remove the symbolic link from the directory."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- You can unlink your PayPal account from the website.
- The software allows you to unlink the two datasets for independent analysis.
American English
- You need to unlink your device from your old account.
- Researchers sought to unlink cause and effect in the model.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher helped me unlink the paper clips.
- To change the payment method, first unlink your old credit card.
- The update will automatically unlink any shared folders that violate the new policy.
- The philosopher's argument attempts to unlink moral responsibility from the concept of free will.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a chain LINKing two rings. To UN-LINK them is to take that link apart.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONNECTIONS ARE LINKS (in a chain). To unlink is to break a metaphorical chain.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'распутать' (to untangle) for logical connections. For computing, use 'отвязать' or 'удалить связь', not 'отключить' (disconnect power).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'unlink' for permanent destruction (like 'delete').
- Using it for emotional separation (better: 'distance oneself').
- Misspelling as 'unlick'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'unlink' most appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Unlink' typically removes a connection or reference, while the original items remain. 'Delete' implies removal or destruction of the item itself.
It is uncommon and sounds technical or metaphorical. For personal relationships, words like 'separate', 'distance', or 'disassociate' are more natural.
The action is 'unlinking'. There isn't a common standalone noun '*an unlink'; we say 'the removal of a link' or 'delinking'.
It has been in use since at least the 16th century, but its frequency increased significantly with computing, referring to removing hyperlinks or logical connections.