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

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

Add cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon zest to stand mixer bowl; switch to the paddle attachment and beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy, 1 to 2 minutes. —Joy Howard, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2024

The key to keeping your wife attracted to you, Hensley says, is figuring out her attachment style and then meeting that style's corresponding needs. —USA TODAY, 27 Mar. 2024

Edwards stepped into the role after David Leitch exited following a short attachment to the project. —Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Mar. 2024

Some customers who start with more basic washer attachments are now upgrading to electronic models that have different temperature and pressure settings. —Ramishah Maruf, CNN, 24 Mar. 2024

Their attachments are to one another, not to any particular culture or country or place. —Lili Loofbourow, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2024

Type: Exfoliating towel | Material: Not listed Most Versatile PMD Clean Body $112 View On Nordstrom $159 View On Walmart $40 Pros The brush comes with three different attachments and has four settings for a more versatile exfoliation. —Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 20 Mar. 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