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Meaning & use

unmount

verb·Advancedcomputingtechnical

Last updated

UK/ʌnˈmaʊnt/
US/ʌnˈmaʊnt/

Meanings

  1. verbtransitivecomputing

    To safely disconnect a storage device or file system from a computer so that it can no longer be used or read.

    Grammar: Takes an object: unmount the drive before unplugging it.

    Patterns

    • unmount something
    • unmount something from something

    Always unmount the USB drive before you pull it out.

    The script will unmount the backup disk when the copy is finished.

    The system refused to unmount the volume because a file was still open.

  2. verbtransitive or intransitivecomputingtechnical

    To remove an interface component from the page or tree it was displayed on, so that it stops running.

    Grammar: A developer unmounts a component, or the component unmounts when it is removed.

    Patterns

    • unmount something
    • something unmounts

    The component unmounts when the user leaves the page.

    Clean up the timer before the widget unmounts.

    The framework will unmount the old view and show the new one.

  3. verbtransitive

    To take something off the frame, stand, holder or backing it was fixed to.

    Grammar: Takes an object: unmount the picture from its board.

    Patterns

    • unmount something from something

    The curator carefully unmounted the print from its cardboard backing.

    He unmounted the telescope from the tripod and packed it away.

    The technician unmounted the camera so the lens could be cleaned.

Word forms

third person singularunmounts
past tenseunmounted
past participleunmounted
-ing formunmounting

Common combinations

unmount a drive
You should unmount a drive before removing it.
unmount a volume
The command will unmount the volume cleanly.
unmount a partition
She had to unmount the partition before resizing it.
force unmount
He tried a force unmount when the disk would not release.
unmount a component
The page will unmount the component after the user logs out.

Synonyms and how they differ

eject
Eject is the everyday word on a desktop for releasing a disc or drive, while unmount is the more technical command.
detach
Detach is broader and can describe any disconnecting, but unmount specifically refers to a file system or a component.
disconnect
Disconnect describes breaking any link, including physically, whereas unmount involves a software step first.
remove
Remove is a general word for taking something away, but unmount suggests a careful shutdown before removal.

Opposites

mount

Word family

mount verb
to attach a drive or file system, or fix something onto a support
mounting noun
the act of attaching, or the fixture used
unmounted adjective
not attached or in use
remount verb
to attach again

Commonly confused: unmount or dismount?

unmount vs dismount

Dismount means getting off a horse or bicycle, whereas unmount is for removing a drive, component or fixture.

Practice

Before pulling out the external hard drive, you should ___ it to avoid losing data.

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