detachment
noun
de·tach·ment
di-ˈtach-mənt 
dē-
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 in a Sentence
I wish the article had approached the issue with a bit more detachment.
The form is perforated to make detachment of the bottom section easier.
A detachment of soldiers was called to assist the police.
Recent Examples on the Web
The film’s unspeakably haunting final shot typifies Cannes 2026 to a tee, its free-floating detachment from reality doubling as a revelatory expression of our own relationship to it.
—
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 22 May 2026
The vast voids between the upper and lower tiers behind the goals create a feeling of detachment.
—Andy Mitten, New York Times, 21 May 2026
His career spanned roles as Naval Security Group detachments in Japan and San Diego.
—Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026
Zhang Xiaoduan, head of business development services for south and central China at real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield, noted a detachment between what authorities are wishing for and the reality on the ground.
—Chris Lau, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for detachment
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David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 22 May 2026
The vast voids between the upper and lower tiers behind the goals create a feeling of detachment.
—Andy Mitten, New York Times, 21 May 2026
His career spanned roles as Naval Security Group detachments in Japan and San Diego.
—Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026
Zhang Xiaoduan, head of business development services for south and central China at real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield, noted a detachment between what authorities are wishing for and the reality on the ground.
—Chris Lau, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for detachment
Cite this Entry
“Detachment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detachment. Accessed 28 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
detachment
noun
de·tach·ment
di-ˈtach-mənt
1
: the action or process of detaching : separation
2
a
: the sending out of a body of troops or part of a fleet from the main body
b
: a small military unit with a special task or function
3
a
: a lack of interest in worldly concerns
b
: freedom from the influence of emotions : impartiality
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