disengagement

[dis-en-geyj-muhnt]

noun

1. the act or process of disengaging or the state of being disengaged.

2. freedom from obligation or occupation; leisure.

3. Obstetrics.,  (during childbirth) the emergence of the head or the presenting part of the fetus from the vulva.

Word History and Origins

Origin of disengagement¹

First recorded in 1640–50; disengage + -ment

Example Sentences

And all this against a background of international turmoil: war in Europe, disengagement by the Americans, the inexorable rise of populism.

From BBC

He’s interviewing families and teenagers about why they’re absent, and he says he’s seeing high levels of “disengagement” and mental illness.

From Los Angeles Times

The deal signed on Friday demanded the "disengagement, disarmament and conditional integration" of armed groups fighting in eastern DR Congo - but offered few other details.

From BBC

The deal demands the "disengagement, disarmament and conditional integration" of armed groups fighting in eastern DR Congo.

From BBC

The breakthrough, mediated by the US and Qatar, provides for the "disengagement, disarmament and conditional integration" of armed groups fighting in eastern DR Congo.

From BBC

Related Words

• disconnection 
• separation 
• withdrawal