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

Within the clubhouse, players often analyze their performance with a sense of detachment more than urgency. —Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025

But that ease can become dependence or even detachment from reality. —Sonia Mankame, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025

The pose recalls the odalisque, though the tone is godlike detachment, presiding over a catastrophic wreck. —Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025

Earlier this month, the NHTSA said Stellantis was recalling 164,000 US vehicles due to issues with possible detachment of the trim on the driver and passenger doors. —Anusha Shah, USA Today, 27 Sep. 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