detachment

noun

de·​tach·​ment di-ˈtach-mənt How to pronounce detachment (audio)
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

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
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.
Since detachment requires ongoing emotional processing — the kind that can flicker in and out of your consciousness for years — this could explain why, for many, fully relinquishing an ex isn’t a matter of months. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025 By adding a photo of an ICE arrest to a light-hearted viral trend, for instance, the White House account manages to perfectly capture the sociopathic, fascistic tone of ironic detachment and glee of the internet’s darkest corners and most malignant trolls. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2025 Both sets of filmmakers come to argue with passion, not explore with detachment. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2025 The company provides an interesting look at the detachment of fundamentals from the stock price. Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for detachment

Word History

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of detachment was in 1669

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detachment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detachment. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

detachment

noun
de·​tach·​ment di-ˈtach-mənt How to pronounce detachment (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on detachment

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!