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

Other Word Forms

• detachable adjective
• detachability noun
• detachably adverb
• detacher noun
• nondetachability noun
• nondetachable adjective
• predetach verb (used with object)
• self-detaching adjective
• undetachable 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

This late 19th Century detached hillside house in the East Sussex town has been extended with a series of timber-framed rooms and industrial exterior features including a concrete yard and galvanised steel staircase.

From BBC

Her expression is unreadable, at once thoughtful, curious, interested and detached.

From Los Angeles Times

Star has qualified as a doctor and lives in Edinburgh, detached from Marigold's mental health problems.

From BBC

What once seemed laughably detached from reality is now embedded in Instagram feeds and TikTok fridges.

From Salon

He punches her — I think that I read it and I was detached from it.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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