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
• love
• devotion

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

This year, Eufy has a model and an attachment that combine to autonomously pursue dirt on multiple stories. —PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025

In the hacking campaigns Proofpoint analyzed, cybercriminals attempted to trick users into downloading and installing Stealerium as an attachment or a web link, luring victims with typical bait like a fake payment or invoice. —Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 4 Sep. 2025

Try a private family tour from Bike About Tours, which will outfit the whole clan with bicycles (including, if necessary, kiddie seats or tandem attachments) and team you with an English-speaking guide who has years of experience cycling around Paris with their own families. —Elissa Garay, AFAR Media, 3 Sep. 2025

The adhesive system carries enough glue for multiple attachments in one mission so the operator can relocate to a better spot if needed. —David Hambling, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing attachment

• attachment parenting
• on attachment

Rhymes for attachment

• detachment
• catchment
• reattachment

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 email

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