detachment

noun

de·​tach·​ment di-ˈtach-mənt 

dē-

1

: the action or process of detaching : separation

2

a

: the dispatch of a body of troops or part of a fleet from the main body for a special mission or service

b

: the part so dispatched

c

: a permanently organized separate unit usually smaller than a platoon and of special composition

3

a

: indifference to worldly concerns : aloofness

b

: freedom from bias or prejudice

Synonyms

• disinterest
• disinterestedness
• equity
• evenhandedness
• fair-mindedness
• fairness
• impartiality
• justice
• neutralism
• neutrality
• nonpartisanship
• objectiveness
• objectivity

Examples of detachment in a Sentence

I wish the article had approached the issue with a bit more detachment.

The form is perforated to make detachment of the bottom section easier.

A detachment of soldiers was called to assist the police.

Recent Examples on the Web

Foremost among them are the principles of practice and detachment. —Chrissy Carter, Outside Online, 30 Nov. 2024

While sister-in-law Jackie would exude sophistication and cool detachment, Ethel would lead the charge during one of the many famous Kennedy touch football games, unafraid to trounce her own children and once even playfully biting writer George Plimpton on the ankle in a bid toward victory. —Kathy Ehrich Dowd, TIME, 10 Oct. 2024

Future drone swarms will dissolve and reconstitute themselves effortlessly in units of every size, much as elite special-operations forces are built from scalable detachments, each of which is capable of sovereign command. —Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024

This detachment not only affects how individuals respond to disasters but also weakens the overall collective response. —Lars Daniel, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing detachment

• retinal detachment

Kids Definition

detachment

noun

de·​tach·​ment di-ˈtach-mənt 

1

: the action or process of detaching : separation

2

a

: the sending out of a body of troops or part of a fleet from the main body

b

: a small military unit with a special task or function

3

a

: a lack of interest in worldly concerns

b

: freedom from the influence of emotions : impartiality