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

Interior spaces, like an empty hospital corridor where Nina awaits bad news, tend to be statically and symmetrically framed, an aesthetic decision that, in this environment, might evoke a sterile, clinical detachment. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2025

Or maybe they’ve been reunited physically on the big screen but are not fully over their detachment. —Adam Tschorn, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025

Ripa then related the feeling of detachment to Live's recent relocation from the show's old New York City studio space to a new one in Manhattan. —Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2025

Create a safe place to practice independence so that the inevitable detachment from you is not too difficult, suggests Miller. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 18 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