plug in vs insert

plug in is not a noun while insert is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
plug in	No	No	Yes	No
insert	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, insert is a hypernym of plug in; that is, insert is a word with a broader meaning than plug in:

Other hypernyms of plug in include enter, infix, introduce.

plug in (noun)	insert (noun)
	(film) a still picture that is introduced and that interrupts the action of a film
	(broadcasting) a local announcement inserted into a network program
	an artifact that is inserted or is to be inserted
	a folded section placed between the leaves of another publication

plug in (verb)	insert (verb)
plug into an outlet	place, fit, or thrust (something) into another thing
	insert casually
	put or introduce into something
	fit snugly into