attachment

noun

at·​tach·​ment ə-ˈtach-mənt 

plural attachments

1

: a seizure by legal process

also : the writ or precept commanding such seizure

2

a

: the state of being personally attached : fidelity

attachment to a cause

b

: affectionate regard

a deep attachment to nature

c

psychology : a strong emotional bond that an infant forms with a caregiver (such as a mother) especially when viewed as a basis for normal emotional and social development

Of course, the mother provides food and warmth, but for the purposes of attachment what really matters is the sense of safety, comfort, and refuge the mother provides.

—Henry Gleitman et al.

also : the process by which an infant forms such an emotional bond

Healthy attachment, via attuned parenting, equips human beings for resilience, success, and emotional, psychological, and physiological well-being.

—Lindsey Porter

3

: a device attached to a machine or implement

4

: the physical connection by which one thing is attached to another

5

: the process of physically attaching

6

: a separate document or file that is included and sent with an electronic message (such as an email or text message)

The trick to sending attachments successfully is to know what e-mail program and operating system your recipient uses.

—Adam C. Engst

Synonyms

• affection
• devotedness
• devotion
• fondness
• love
• passion

Examples of attachment in a Sentence

The vacuum cleaner attachments help clean in tight spaces.

I need a longer attachment for the drill.

I'll send the document as an attachment to my next e-mail.

Recent Examples on the Web

But the fallout from Paty’s killing reinforced the French state’s commitment to freedom of expression and its firm attachment to secularism in public life. —Tom Nouvian and Samuel Petrequin, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024

This irrational attachment to potential wealth can explain the billions of dollars Americans spend on the lottery yearly even though the chances of winning are astronomically low. —True Tamplin, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

The magnetic attachment holds cans of any size in place while the stainless steel blade seamlessly removes the tops. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 17 Dec. 2024

Applications can be delivered in person or sent via email attachment in a PDF file format to [e-mail], according to the release. —Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing attachment

• attachment parenting
• on attachment

Kids Definition

attachment

noun

at·​tach·​ment ə-ˈtach-mənt 

1

: a legal taking of property

2

: strong affection : fondness

3

: a device with a special use that is attached to a machine or tool

attachments for a vacuum cleaner

4

: the connection by which one thing is attached to another

5

: the process of physically attaching

6

: a document or file that is sent with email

Medical Definition

attachment

noun

at·​tach·​ment ə-ˈtach-mənt 

1

: a strong emotional bond that an infant forms with a caregiver (such as a mother) especially when viewed as a basis for normal emotional and social development

also : the process by which an infant forms an attachment

2

: the physical connection by which one thing is attached to another

sever the attachments of a muscle to a bone

attach

ə-ˈtach 

verb