attachment
uh-TATCH-munt
/əˈtætʃmənt/
A deep, enduring emotional bond that connects one person to another across time and space.
In developmental psychology, specifically denotes the affectional bond formed between an infant and a primary caregiver.
The story behind the word. Traced to Old French 'a-' (to) and 'estache' (stake or post). The literal meaning of being tied securely to a wooden post evolved into the emotional concept of being bound affectionately to someone.
Word relationships
- bond: 'Bond' is general emotional connection; 'attachment' is a specialized psychological construct with predictable behavior patterns.
- affection: 'Affection' implies liking, whereas 'attachment' denotes deep emotional dependency and security seeking.
- detachment: Detachment is emotional distance or lack of connection.
Commonly confused with
- attraction: Attraction draws interest, while attachment creates enduring emotional safety and dependency.
Word family
- attach (verb): To form a bond or fasten together.
- attached (adjective): Emotionally connected or bound.
Collocations
- secure attachment
- attachment theory
- insecure attachment
- attachment figure
Example sentences
- "Secure attachment provides children with a safe base from which to explore their surroundings." John Bowlby's theory description
- "Disruptions in early caregiver attachment can significantly impact emotional regulation in later years." Child welfare assessment
Memory hook
Attachment attaches your heart to a caregiver like glue. Tied closely through emotional bonding.
When not to use
Avoid confusing psychological attachment with casual preferences or physical office attachments.
Fun facts
- Mary Ainsworth invented the 'Strange Situation' protocol in the 1970s to systematically test infant attachment types.
Related words
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