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

Bébé’s rejection of her child and her emotional detachment are a common response, according to doctors, who describe not just a disconnect by rape survivors to their children but even efforts by some women to harm babies born of the attacks. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025

Set against the backdrop of one of Manhattan’s most-iconic green spaces, the dog appeared deeply uninterested in socializing, maintaining a statuesque pose while other Shibas around it mirrored the same awkward detachment. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025

The report points to a supplier quality issue and potential contact between the vehicle’s liftgate and hinge covers during liftgate opening for detachment on the 2025 vehicles. —James Powel, USA Today, 8 Dec. 2025

But fighting corruption may require detachment. —Kristina Berdynskykh, The Atlantic, 3 Dec. 2025

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