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

• disinterest
• disinterestedness
• equity
• evenhandedness
• fair-mindedness
• fairness
• impartiality
• justice
• neutralism
• neutrality
• nonpartisanship
• objectiveness
• objectivity

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

The point isn’t detachment but learning how not to lose yourself in the process of managing someone else. —Moira Forbes, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025

The district walked back the idea, but the move sparked public outcry and raised questions about whether splitting a school district — a process called detachment — has to be approved by voters in a public election. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2025

The psychological response is clear: when vulnerability consistently leads to disappointment, and external systems appear fundamentally unreliable, emotional detachment becomes a coping mechanism. —Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025

Above in the sky, detachments of helicopters and Sukhoi fighter jets conducted flyover exercises. —Nga Pham, NPR, 30 Apr. 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