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

Proponents of a split have said that since the code only specifically requires an election in the case of detachment being initiated by a petition, then an election is not required. —Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Feb. 2025

This sense of detachment can lead to physical tension, mental fatigue, and a lack of fulfillment. —Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025

Over time, this emotional withdrawal can lead to an overall decline in relationship satisfaction, reinforcing the very doubts that started the process of detachment in the first place. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2025

Read the issue » The result was a little frightening in its modern sense of detachment; in its remote, authoritative rigor; and in its gimlet-eyed, Olympian overview of clearly sordid motives. —Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing detachment

• retinal detachment

Rhymes for detachment

• attachment
• catchment
• reattachment

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