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

Examples of attachment in a Sentence

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

Bonding and attachment Reading with caregivers nurtures bonding and secure attachment, which are fundamental for healthy development. —Children’s Institute, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2024

Related: The Best Dyson Airwrap Alternatives by Shark, T3, Revamp and More The attachments have also gotten upgrades. —Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Apr. 2024

Don’t click on links or download attachments from unknown senders and be wary of anyone asking for personal or sensitive information. —Advertorial, Orange County Register, 10 Apr. 2024

This model comes with a detail trimmer and shaver attachment suitable for use on eyebrows, mustaches, and beards. —Lindsay Modglin, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2024

American Oversight, a nonprofit public records watchdog, requested and received 1,029 pages of emails and attachments between CMS officials and educators from early this school year that had to do with implementing SB 49. —Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2024

In studies of orphans living in austere, institutionalized settings — such as the orphanage that Ethan grew up in—those deprived of essential experiences for more than the first few years of life showed deficits in executive functioning, social relationships, and attachment. —Marc D. Hauser, TIME, 3 Apr. 2024

This caused the attachment to fall, taking the roofer along with the boom and hitting the street. —Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2024

Why to Buy Electric scrubbers often come with attachments to clean different areas in your home. —Camryn Rabideau, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing 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