detach

verb

de·​tach di-ˈtach How to pronounce detach (audio)
dē-
detached; detaching; detaches
Synonyms of detachnext

transitive verb

1
: to separate especially from a larger mass and usually without violence or damage
2
: disengage, withdraw
detachability
di-ˌta-chə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce detach (audio)
dē-
noun
detachable
di-ˈta-chə-bəl How to pronounce detach (audio)
dē-
adjective
detachably
di-ˈta-chə-blē How to pronounce detach (audio)
dē-
adverb

Examples of detach in a Sentence

Detach the upper part of the form and return it with your payment. During the accident the trailer was detached from the car. The brush detaches from the vacuum cleaner for easy cleaning. It can be difficult to detach yourself from the chaos of the situation. She has been trying to detach herself from an abusive relationship.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Conversely, if a manager is burnt out or detached, that negativity can quickly permeate the group. — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025 Detach Removable Parts If the waffle maker has removable parts, detach them from the unit and wash them by hand or in the dishwasher, following the manufacturer's cleaning guidelines. — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2025 The top of a black coat can be detached to make a cropped jacket, while a white shirt features a button-off back. — Joelle Diderich, WWD, 6 Mar. 2025 Since news broke in January that five of the seven trustees were pushing to break up the district, detaching the schools east of U.S. 377 from the ones in Fort Worth, the public outcry has been deafening. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for detach

Word History

Etymology

French détacher, from Old French destachier, from des- de- + -tachier (as in atachier to attach)

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of detach was in 1686

Rhymes for detach

See All Rhymes for detach

Browse Nearby Words

det
detach
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detach. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

detach

verb
de·​tach di-ˈtach How to pronounce detach (audio)
: to separate especially from a larger mass and usually without violence or damage
detachable
-ˈtach-ə-bəl How to pronounce detach (audio)
adjective
detachably
-blē How to pronounce detach (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on detach

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for detach

Nglish: Translation of detach for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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