detachment

[ dih-tach-muhnt ]

noun

1. the act of detaching.
2. the condition of being detached. detached.
3. aloofness, as from worldly affairs or from the concerns of others.

   Synonyms: coolness, unconcern, indifference

4. freedom from prejudice or partiality.
5. the act of sending out a detached detached force of troops or naval ships.
6. the body of troops or ships so detached. detached.

detachment

/ dɪˈtætʃmənt /

noun

1. indifference to other people or to one's surroundings; aloofness
2. freedom from self-interest or bias; disinterest
3. the act of disengaging or separating something
4. the condition of being disengaged or separated; disconnection
5. military
   1. the separation of a small unit from its main body, esp of ships or troops
   2. the unit so detached
6. a branch office of a police force
7. See modus ponens
   logic the rule whereby the consequent of a true conditional statement, given the truth of its antecedent, may be asserted on its own See also modus ponens

Other Words From

• nonde·tachment noun
• prede·tachment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of detachment¹

From the French word détachement, dating back to 1660–70. See detach, -ment

Example Sentences

There’s little research on the best ways to use digital media during a pandemic and unprecedented levels of social detachment, but in my experience with coaching individuals virtually, the more present you can be for the conversation, the better.

From Outside Online

There is a peace about Aaron Rodgers now, a feeling different from his normal vibe of cool detachment.

From Washington Post

You need psychological detachment from the source of the stress.

From Popular-Science

My complete acknowledgment of the loss almost 20 years later helps me understand my detachment from society and people at times.

From Essence.com

At first, Glenda found Varahn to be reserved, but she soon realized that what she had mistaken for detachment was simply Varahn’s way of taking in her new surroundings.

From ProPublica

The pontiff blasts the selfishness, arrogance and detachment of the cardinals in Rome.

From The Daily Beast

A detachment of six volunteers, led by Lt. Alexandre Rosenberg, planned to stop the train at Aulnay, in the suburbs of Paris.

From The Daily Beast

No because I want to preserve as much as possible my detachment and impartiality.

From The Daily Beast

But this detachment gives the biography a dutiful, going-through-the-motions tone.

From The Daily Beast

That sense of detachment from the caprices of Mother Nature is pretty unique in human history.

From The Daily Beast

Bidding a young bank manager take charge of the detachment, Frank led the newcomer rapidly to headquarters.

From Project Gutenberg

In each case the tiny detachment discovered blackened walls and unburied corpses.

From Project Gutenberg

A double detachment of soldiers was already there, with orders to support him in case of resistance.

From Project Gutenberg

Presently tea was brought, but even then she preserved, smiling, her soft but complete detachment.

From Project Gutenberg

Some armed vessels were, however, speedily despatched from Rio, and a detachment of militia from St. Paul's.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• indifference
• neutrality
• objectivity
• remoteness