detach

verb

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

transitive verb

1
: to separate especially from a larger mass and usually without violence or damage
2
detachability noun
detachable adjective
detachably 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.
The pods can also be detached from the ring and attached directly together to form a train. Kimberley Snaith, Space.com, 24 Jan. 2025 This imbalance often leaves one partner feeling overburdened while the other becomes more passive or detached from the emotional weight of the relationship. Mark Travers, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025 The agenda for the Jan. 14 commissioners court session states commissioners will get legal advice on the statutes in the Texas Education Code on detaching part of a district. Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Jan. 2025 People who experience depersonalization can feel as though they are detached from their mind or body. Christina Caron, New York Times, 9 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near detach

Cite this Entry

“Detach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detach. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

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 adjective
detachably adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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