- connect (v.) - mid-15c., from Latin conectere "join together"
(see connection). Displaced 16c. by connex (1540s), from Middle
French connexer, from Latin *connexare, a supposed frequentative
of conectere (past participle stem connex-). Connect was re-
established 1670s. A similar change took place in French, where
connexer was superseded by connecter. Meaning "to establish a
relationship" (with) is from 1881. Slang meaning "get in touch
with" is attested by 1926, from telephone connections. Meaning
"awaken meaningful emotions, establish rapport" is from 1942. Of
a hit or blow, "to reach the target," from c.1920. Related:
Connected; connecting; connectedness.