detach

verb

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

transitive verb

1
: to separate especially from a larger mass and usually without violence or damage
2
detachability noun
detachable adjective
detachably adverb

Examples of detach in a Sentence

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.
After the vehicle is fully charged, the system automatically detaches the robotic arm. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025 The diadem – a jeweled headpiece worn by royalty – features 24 Ceylon sapphires and 1,083 diamonds that can be detached and worn as brooches, according to the Louvre. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2025 When the series was ordered, Thompson, who normally focuses on films, stepped aside and Carter took over, re-creating his predecessor’s design on a soundstage but elaborating on it with additional rooms that felt refined yet emotionally detached. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2025 Rinse the seeds in a colander afterward, rubbing with your fingers to detach any stubborn bits of pulp. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for detach

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of detach was in 1686

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detach. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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 adjective
detachably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on detach

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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