disengage

American  

[dis-en-geyj] / ˌdɪs ɛnˈgeɪdʒ /

verb (used with object)

disengaged, disengaging

1. to release from attachment or connection; loosen; unfasten.

   to disengage a clutch.

2. to free (oneself ) from an engagement, pledge, obligation, etc..

   He accepted the invitation, but was later forced to disengage himself.

3. Military. to break off action with (an enemy).

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verb (used without object)

disengaged, disengaging

1. to become disengaged; free oneself.

disengage British  

/ ˌdɪsɪnˈɡeɪdʒ /

verb

1. to release or become released from a connection, obligation, etc

   press the clutch to disengage the gears

2. military to withdraw (forces) from close action

3. fencing to move (one's blade) from one side of an opponent's blade to another in a circular motion to bring the blade into an open line of attack

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Other Word Forms

• disengaged adjective
• disengagedness noun
• self-disengaging adjective

Etymology

Origin of disengage

1605–15; < Middle French desengager, equivalent to des- dis- ¹ + engager to engage

Example Sentences

“The U.S. was trying to disengage from Europe at the end of the war,” said Benn Steil, director of international economics at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.

From The Wall Street Journal

Despite a 2021 agreement to disengage troops at the lake, both sides maintain a military presence there.

From The Wall Street Journal

In non-hybrid models, the AWD system consists of an electromagnetic coupling ahead of the rear differential, engaging and disengaging the rear wheels.

From The Wall Street Journal

Europe, the official said, finds itself alone because the Americans are disengaging with the region, meaning it must rely more on itself.

From The Wall Street Journal

These 10 surprising signals could mean it’s time to disengage from the workplace.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• back off
• detach
• disconnect
• disentangle
• dissociate
• extricate
• liberate
• withdraw