attachment
noun
at·tach·ment
ə-ˈtach-mənt 
plural attachments
1
: a seizure by legal process
also
: the writ or precept commanding such seizure
2
b
: affectionate regard
a deep attachment to nature
c
psychology
: a strong emotional bond that an infant forms with a caregiver (such as a mother) especially when viewed as a basis for normal emotional and social development
Of course, the mother provides food and warmth, but for the purposes of attachment what really matters is the sense of safety, comfort, and refuge the mother provides.—
Henry Gleitman et al.
Henry Gleitman et al.
also
: the process by which an infant forms such an emotional bond
Healthy attachment, via attuned parenting, equips human beings for resilience, success, and emotional, psychological, and physiological well-being. —Lindsey Porter
Lindsey Porter 3
: a device attached to a machine or implement
4
: the physical connection by which one thing is attached to another
5
: the process of physically attaching
6
: a separate document or file that is included and sent with an electronic message (such as an email or text message)
The trick to sending attachments successfully is to know what e-mail program and operating system your recipient uses.—Adam C. Engst
Adam C. EngstSynonyms
Examples of attachment in a Sentence
The vacuum cleaner attachments help clean in tight spaces.
I need a longer attachment for the drill.
I'll send the document as an attachment to my next e-mail.
Recent Examples on the Web
And if its tackling flyaways, there’s an attachment for that too.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2024
Dreame’s dryer is lightweight and folds, but has the power of a standard hair dryer, and comes with attachments to transform it into a curling iron or smoother for straight hair.
—Time Staff, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024
This scarcity, combined with the emotional attachment fans have to their teams, ensures a steady revenue stream even during economic downturns.
—Samuel Burke, Fortune Europe, 29 Oct. 2024
Germans have a cultural attachment to cash, traditionally viewing it as a safe method of payment.
—Sophie Tanno, CNN, 27 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for attachment 
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Kiana Murden, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2024
Dreame’s dryer is lightweight and folds, but has the power of a standard hair dryer, and comes with attachments to transform it into a curling iron or smoother for straight hair.
—Time Staff, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024
This scarcity, combined with the emotional attachment fans have to their teams, ensures a steady revenue stream even during economic downturns.
—Samuel Burke, Fortune Europe, 29 Oct. 2024
Germans have a cultural attachment to cash, traditionally viewing it as a safe method of payment.
—Sophie Tanno, CNN, 27 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for attachment
Dictionary Entries Near attachment
Cite this Entry
“Attachment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attachment. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
attachment
noun
at·tach·ment
ə-ˈtach-mənt
1
: a legal taking of property
2
: strong affection : fondness
3
: a device with a special use that is attached to a machine or tool
attachments for a vacuum cleaner
4
: the connection by which one thing is attached to another
5
: the process of physically attaching
6
: a document or file that is sent with email
Medical Definition
attachment
noun
at·tach·ment
ə-ˈtach-mənt
1
: a strong emotional bond that an infant forms with a caregiver (such as a mother) especially when viewed as a basis for normal emotional and social development
also
: the process by which an infant forms an attachment
2
: the physical connection by which one thing is attached to another
sever the attachments of a muscle to a bone
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