detach

1 of 2

verb

de·​tach di-ˈtach How to pronounce detach (audio)
dē-
detached; detaching; detaches
Synonyms of detachnext

transitive verb

1
: to separate especially from a larger mass and usually without violence or damage
2
: disengage, withdraw
detachability
di-ˌta-chə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce detach (audio)
dē-
noun
detachable
di-ˈta-chə-bəl How to pronounce detach (audio)
dē-
adjective
detachably
di-ˈta-chə-blē How to pronounce detach (audio)
dē-
adverb

detachability

2 of 2

noun

de·​tach·​abil·​i·​ty
-ətē, 
-i
plural -es
: the quality or state of being detachable

Examples of detach in a Sentence

Verb Detach the upper part of the form and return it with your payment. During the accident the trailer was detached from the car. The brush detaches from the vacuum cleaner for easy cleaning. It can be difficult to detach yourself from the chaos of the situation. She has been trying to detach herself from an abusive relationship.
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.
Verb
Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, has warned that AI stocks have become detached from financial fundamentals, pushing markets to precarious highs. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026 However, the mural was detached and transferred to canvas in 1899 following the dispersal of the estate and then divided into eight fragments. — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 22 Oct. 2026 The parafoil, however, detached during deployment, leaving the vehicle in freefall before impacting the ground. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 22 Oct. 2026 Collin, 22 While the show was filming, Collin often rebelled against the production by acting detached rather than performing for the cameras. — Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detach

Word History

Etymology

Verb

French détacher, from Old French destachier, from des- de- + -tachier (as in atachier to attach)

First Known Use

Verb

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of detach was in 1686

Rhymes for detach

See All Rhymes for detach

Browse Nearby Words

det
detach
detachability
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detach. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

detach

verb
de·​tach di-ˈtach How to pronounce detach (audio)
: to separate especially from a larger mass and usually without violence or damage
detachable
-ˈtach-ə-bəl How to pronounce detach (audio)
adjective
detachably
-blē How to pronounce detach (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on detach

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for detach

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