detach

[ dih-tach ]

verb (used with object)

1. to unfasten and separate; disengage; disunite.
2. Military. to send away (a regiment, ship, etc.) on a special mission.

detach

/ dɪˈtætʃ /

verb

1. to disengage and separate or remove, as by pulling; unfasten; disconnect
2. military to separate (a small unit) from a larger, esp for a special assignment

Derived Forms

• deˈtachable, adjective
• deˈtacher, noun
• deˌtachaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• de·tacha·ble adjective
• de·tacha·bili·ty noun
• de·tacha·bly adverb
• de·tacher noun
• nonde·tacha·bili·ty noun
• nonde·tacha·ble adjective
• prede·tach verb (used with object)
• self-de·taching adjective
• unde·tacha·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of detach¹

1470–80; < Middle French détacher, Old French destachier; dis- ¹, attach

Word History and Origins

Origin of detach¹

C17: from Old French destachier, from des- dis- ¹+ attachier to attach

Example Sentences

I was taking a detached view of the data and trends and how Trumpism is a symptom of many deep problems in American society and not the cause.

From Salon

A free vote is rare at Westminster, but even with one politicians can never detach themselves entirely from party politics.

From BBC

In a detached office, Ian had stored photos of the damage to his old house that burned in the 1990 Santa Barbara wildfire.

From Los Angeles Times

As she recovered from the foot problem, Raducanu used the time away from the match court to "detach".

From BBC

Perseverance during the past three years paid off, however, and the couple’s 1930’s detached house now has improved insulation, a heat pump, and an electric car charging point.

From BBC

Related Words

• disassemble
• disengage
• disentangle
• dissociate
• isolate
• segregate
• separate
• sever