attachment

noun

at·​tach·​ment ə-ˈtach-mənt 

plural attachments

1

: a seizure by legal process

also : the writ or precept commanding such seizure

2

a

: the state of being personally attached : fidelity

attachment to a cause

b

: affectionate regard

a deep attachment to nature

c

psychology : a strong emotional bond that an infant forms with a caregiver (such as a mother) especially when viewed as a basis for normal emotional and social development

Of course, the mother provides food and warmth, but for the purposes of attachment what really matters is the sense of safety, comfort, and refuge the mother provides.

—Henry Gleitman et al.

also : the process by which an infant forms such an emotional bond

Healthy attachment, via attuned parenting, equips human beings for resilience, success, and emotional, psychological, and physiological well-being.

—Lindsey Porter

3

: a device attached to a machine or implement

4

: the physical connection by which one thing is attached to another

5

: the process of physically attaching

6

: a separate document or file that is included and sent with an electronic message (such as an email or text message)

The trick to sending attachments successfully is to know what e-mail program and operating system your recipient uses.

—Adam C. Engst

Synonyms

• affection
• devotedness
• devotion
• fondness
• love
• passion

Example Sentences

The vacuum cleaner attachments help clean in tight spaces.

I need a longer attachment for the drill.

I'll send the document as an attachment to my next e-mail.

Recent Examples on the Web

Pop on the round brush attachment and see results in minutes. —Samantha Olson, seventeen.com, 1 June 2023

For fans and animators alike, the attachment to Dory has survived two decades. —Ryan Gaur, Rolling Stone, 31 May 2023

Comedian and activist Franchesca Ramsey suggested the defense of Healy could be due to the parasocial relationship — the attachment that fans may feel toward a public figure, especially personable people who are very active online — people have with Swift. —Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 25 May 2023

Both models will also ship with standard vacuum cleaner heads, however, Dyson says the submarine attachment won’t work on existing vacuums. —Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 23 May 2023

Accessories The best vacuums offer attachments that increase your vacuum’s baseline versatility. —Kristina Mcguirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 May 2023

It’s made with fishers in mind, too, with a sit-top design and option for a fishing pole holder and cooler attachment to store your catch of the day. —Courtney Campbell, goodhousekeeping.com, 12 May 2023

How to Do It: For the most common version of the exercise, stand in front of the cable machine/resistance band setup holding the rope attachment or handle at your upper chest. —Men's Health, 8 May 2023

Next is communication, with the love languages and attachment styles. —Michelle Aslam, Dallas News, 25 Apr. 2023

See More

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing attachment

• attachment parenting
• on attachment

• attachment parenting
• on attachment

Kids Definition

attachment

noun

at·​tach·​ment ə-ˈtach-mənt 

1

: a legal taking of property

2

: strong affection : fondness

3

: a device with a special use that is attached to a machine or tool

attachments for a vacuum cleaner

4

: the connection by which one thing is attached to another

5

: the process of physically attaching

6

: a document or file that is sent with e-mail

Medical Definition

attachment

noun

at·​tach·​ment ə-ˈtach-mənt 

1

: a strong emotional bond that an infant forms with a caregiver (such as a mother) especially when viewed as a basis for normal emotional and social development

also : the process by which an infant forms an attachment

2

: the physical connection by which one thing is attached to another

sever the attachments of a muscle to a bone

attach

ə-ˈtach 

verb