detach
dee-TACH
/dɪˈætʃ/
To separate something from something else that it is connected to.
Can be physical (detaching a trailer) or emotional (detaching oneself from a situation).
The story behind the word. From the French 'détacher', which is the opposite of 'attacher' (to fasten). It entered English in the 1600s, originally as a military term for sending a small group of soldiers away from the main body.
Word relationships
- disconnect: Disconnect often refers to systems (power, internet); detach refers to physical parts or emotional states.
- attach: To join or fasten something to something else.
Commonly confused with
- isolate: Isolate means to put something completely alone; detach just means to separate it from one specific thing.
Word family
- detachment (noun): The state of being objective or aloof.
Collocations
- detach a coupon
- emotionally detach
- detach a component
Example sentences
- "Please detach the bottom portion of the form and keep it for your records." Instructions
- "It is sometimes necessary to detach yourself from your work to avoid burnout." Psychology
Memory hook
De-Tach: To 'Un-Tack' something that was tacked on. Take it off.
When not to use
Don't use it for breaking a relationship permanently; use 'break up' or 'sever'. Detach implies it can be reattached.
Fun facts
- In military terms, a 'detachment' is a group of soldiers sent away on a specific mission.
Related words
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