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

Synonyms of detachment

• objectivity
• neutrality
• neutralism
• objectiveness

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

Create a safe place to practice independence so that the inevitable detachment from you is not too difficult, suggests Miller. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 15 Mar. 2026

One of the main causes of floaters is posterior vitreous detachment, or PVD, which occurs when the shrinking vitreous gel pulls away from the retina entirely. —Cathy Nelson, Health, 13 Mar. 2026

But Rossellini looks at it with a certain detachment, almost with gratitude rather than pride. —Monica Coviello, Vanity Fair, 8 Mar. 2026

In the note, Washington assigns De Hart to the command of a detachment to patrol an area around Paramus, New Jersey. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing detachment

• retinal detachment

Rhymes for detachment

• attachment
• catchment
• reattachment

Kids 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