Date: 1400-1500
Language: Latin
Origin: connectere, from com- ( COM-) + nectere 'to tie'


con‧nect S2 W2

join things

[transitive] to join two or more things together
connect something to/with something
The railway link would connect Felixstowe with Fishguard.
Connect the speakers to the CD player.
We'd like two rooms with connecting doors (=doors that join the rooms).


[transitive] to realize or show that a fact, event, or person is related to something:
I didn't connect the two events in my mind.
connect somebody/something with something
There is no evidence to connect them with the attack.

electricity/telephone etc

[intransitive and transitive] to join something to the main supply of electricity, gas, or water, or to a telephone or computer network [≠ disconnect]
connect to
Click here to connect to the Internet.
Has the phone been connected yet?
The power supply should be connected by a qualified electrician.


[intransitive]TT if one train, flight etc connects with another, it arrives just before the other one leaves so that you can continue your journey:
connect with/to
This train connects with the one to Glasgow.
From Toronto you can connect to all other Air Canada destinations.


[transitive]TCT to join two telephone lines so that two people can speak:
Please hold the line. I'm trying to connect you.

hit something

[intransitive] to succeed in hitting someone or something:
He swung at the ball, but didn't connect.

understand people

[intransitive] especially American English if people connect, they feel that they like each other and understand each other
connect with
They valued her ability to empathize and connect with others.

connect something ↔ up

phrasal verb
to join something to the main supply of electricity, gas, or water, to the telephone network, or to another piece of equipment:
Is the washing machine connected up yet?
connect something ↔ up with
The autopilot can be connected up with the flight recorder.

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