detachment

de·tach·ment

noun \di-ˈtach-mənt, dē-\

Definition of DETACHMENT

1

: the action or process of detaching : separation

2

a : the dispatch of a body of troops or part of a fleet from the main body for a special mission or service

b : the part so dispatched

c : a permanently organized separate unit usually smaller than a platoon and of special composition

3

a : indifference to worldly concerns : aloofness

b : freedom from bias or prejudice

Examples of DETACHMENT

1. I wish the article had approached the issue with a bit more detachment.
2. The form is perforated to make detachment of the bottom section easier.
3. A detachment of soldiers was called to assist the police.

First Known Use of DETACHMENT

1669

Related to DETACHMENT

Synonyms

disinterest, disinterestedness, equity, evenhandedness, fair-mindedness, fairness, impartiality, justice, neutralism, neutrality, nonpartisanship, objectiveness, objectivity

Antonyms

bias, favor, favoritism, nonobjectivity, one-sidedness, partiality, partisanship, prejudice

Related Words

apathy, indifference, unconcern; broad-mindedness, open-mindedness, tolerance; fence-sitting, straddling

Near Antonyms

chauvinism, nepotism; subjectiveness, subjectivity; bent, inclination, leaning, penchant, predilection, predisposition, proclivity, propensity, tendency; preconception, prejudgment

Rhymes with DETACHMENT

attachment