Desligar

Desligar is a Portuguese verb that denotes disconnecting, switching off, or deactivating something. Its most common use refers to power management and the operation of devices or systems, such as turning off a computer, TV, or machine, or removing a device from a power source or network.

The action can also mean terminating a connection or service. Examples include “desligar da tomada” (unplug from the outlet), “desligar o roteador” (power down the router), or “desligar a linha” (disconnect the line). In telecommunications, a call may be described as desligado when the connection ends, as in “o telefone desligou.”

Desligamento is the noun form that designates the act or process of turning something off or disconnecting it, as in shutdown procedures or service cancellations. Grammatically, desligar is a regular -ar verb. In present tense it forms as eu desligo, você desliga, nós desligamos (among other forms). The imperative forms include desligue (para você) and desliguem (para vocês).

Reflexive usage exists as des ligar-se, which means to detach oneself or withdraw from something, emotionally or from a topic, e.g., “desligar-se do assunto.”

Desligar is widely used in both Brazilian and European Portuguese with similar meanings: to turn off equipment, to disconnect hardware or network services, and, in figurative senses, to disengage from people, tasks, or topics. Related terms include desconectar and apagar.