disengage

verb

dis·​en·​gage ˌdis-in-ˈgāj 

disengaged; disengaging; disengages

transitive verb

: to release from something that engages or involves

intransitive verb

: to release or detach oneself : withdraw

disengagement

ˌdis-in-ˈgāj-mənt 

noun

Synonyms

• clear
• disembarrass
• disentangle
• extricate
• free
• liberate
• release
• untangle

Examples of disengage in a Sentence

The two dancers moved together in a series of quick movements before disengaging and leaping apart.

Put the car in gear, and then slowly disengage the clutch while pressing on the gas pedal.

If there is a malfunction, the gears will automatically disengage.

Recent Examples on the Web

Push too far into the unrealistic, and consumers will disengage. —Salim Gheewalla, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

But that can prove difficult inside of an interaction format that naturally creates temptation to become distracted or disengaged. —Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2025

Research shows that disengaging from our jobs can impact our mental health, motivation, stress levels, responsiveness, and even cognitive function. —Rebecca Horan melissa Karz, Harvard Business Review, 10 Jan. 2025

In my view, Facebook has decided to disengage itself from this discussion. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French désengager, from Middle French, from des- dis- + engager to engage

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

disengage

verb

dis·​en·​gage ˌdis-ᵊn-ˈgāj 

: to free or release from an engagement, entanglement, or burden

disengage an automobile clutch

disengagement

-mənt 

noun