detachment

noun

de·​tach·​ment di-ˈtach-mənt How to pronounce detachment (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Working longer hours also reduces psychological detachment from work, which is essential for healthy recovery processes from one day to the next. Alliance Manchester Business School, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025 The dialogue will explore her career milestones and the philosophies that have shaped her artistry, including the practice of detachment, a theme both Jones and Akil connect to through lessons learned from Oprah Winfrey. Okla Jones, Essence, 13 Sep. 2025 The law enforcement detachment aboard the destroyer boarded the Venezuelan craft and carried out a search that turned up no drugs, according to the official. Luis Martinez, ABC News, 13 Sep. 2025 There are moments when some viewers might long for a little more detachment and aesthetic assessment, especially from the likes of photography editor Kathy Ryan of The New York Times Magazine, who is in a position to describe what’s so distinctive about Addario’s talent. Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for detachment

Word History

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of detachment was in 1669

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detachment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detachment. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

detachment

noun
de·​tach·​ment di-ˈtach-mənt How to pronounce detachment (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on detachment

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