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

• 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

Yet this process suggests a disturbing detachment from the very people who most deserve a second chance. —Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 19 July 2025

Another 2023 study found that this tendency to escape from discomfort is encompassed by three dimensions: Reality detachment. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

The most common technique is the detachment technique. —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025

In March, his electric vehicle company faced another hurdle when Tesla voluntarily recalled about 46,000 Cybertrucks, which were at risk of experiencing a trim panel detachment. —Jillian Frankel, People.com, 28 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1669, 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