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

But there’s at least one way in which the mayor-elect does resemble his Indian peers: His politics are characterized by wild promises of government largesse detached from economic reality.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The All-Electric Act was a symbolic victory for climate advocates when it passed, but one detached from system fundamentals.

Read more on Barron's

With that, the shimmering spirit of the Sacred Wolf of Ahwoo-Ahwoo detached itself from Mama Woof.

Read more on Literature

Once retreat began, this setting allowed large portions of ice to detach quickly and in sequence.

Read more on Science Daily

A BBC reporter on the scene said two police officers were guarding the door of a semi detached house behind a police cordon.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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