disengage

[dis-en-geyj]

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).

verb (used without object)

disengaged, disengaging 

1. to become disengaged; free oneself.

disengage

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• disengagedness noun
• self-disengaging adjective
• disengaged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disengage¹

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

Example Sentences

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It is probably time to disengage from the workplace when you:

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Readers may be disoriented by the flow of a poem that was meant to be listened to, not read, but once engaged, they will find it difficult to disengage.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“If disclosures begin to feel formulaic or emotionally empty, investors may disengage—not because they don’t care, but because they no longer believe management disclosures tell them anything real,” Bar-Hava said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Nevertheless, both governments appear to need each other, although, in light of the recent tensions, they are also moving towards disengaging from each other.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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