attachment

[ uh-tach-muhnt ]

noun

1. an act of attaching or the state of being attached.
2. a feeling that binds one to a person, thing, cause, ideal, or the like; devotion; regard:

   a fond attachment to his cousin; a profound attachment to the cause of peace.

   Synonyms: devotedness, love

3. Psychology. attachment disorder, attachment theory.
   1. an emotional bond between an infant or toddler and primary caregiver, a strong bond being vital for the child’s normal behavioral and social development.
   2. an enduring emotional bond that develops between one adult and another in an intimate relationship:

      romantic attachment.

4. something that attaches; a fastening or tie:

   the attachments of a harness; the attachments of a pair of skis.

   Synonyms: connection, junction

5. an additional or supplementary device:

   attachments for an electric drill.

6. Law. seizure of property or person by legal authority, especially seizure of a defendant's property to prevent its dissipation before trial or to acquire jurisdiction over it.
7. something attached, as a document added to a letter.
8. Digital Technology. a computer or electronic file sent with an email.

attachment

/ əˈtætʃmənt /

noun

1. a means of securing; a fastening
2. often foll by to affection or regard (for); devotion (to)

   attachment to a person or to a cause

3. an object to be attached, esp a supplementary part

   an attachment for an electric drill

4. the act of attaching or the state of being attached
5. 1. the arrest of a person for disobedience to a court order
   2. the lawful seizure of property and placing of it under control of a court
   3. a writ authorizing such arrest or seizure
6. law the binding of a debt in the hands of a garnishee until its disposition has been decided by the court

Other Words From

• nonat·tachment noun
• over·at·tachment noun
• preat·tachment noun
• reat·tachment noun
• self-at·tachment noun
• super·at·tachment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of attachment¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English attachement “detention, distraint, seizure,” from Anglo-French; attach, -ment

Synonym Study

See addition.

Example Sentences

Regardless of the emotional attachment, chickens did not receive the same level of care as more traditional companion animals, such as cats and dogs.

From Science Daily

“When you repair an item, you feel more attachment to it, so people may be drawn to a more empowering and rewarding ownership experience.”

From BBC

But as she begins to form an emotional attachment to her newfound family at work, Madeline is forced to wrestle with the question: Does the end always justify the means?

From Los Angeles Times

There is also something different about his attachment to City.

From BBC

It’s unfair to say I’m obliged to open an email and open an attachment and read it.”

From BBC

Related Words

• affinity
• devotion
• friendship
• loyalty