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

Often occurring during informal downtime, these conversations promote psychological detachment, leading to creative problem-solving and a broader perspective on work challenges, ultimately enhancing well-being and resilience. — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Apple’s gyrations are the latest demonstration of the stock’s increasing detachment from the broader market. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026

Yoon’s style recalls the stricken narrative detachment of the young soldiers in Remarqué’s and Hemingway’s World War I and Tim O’Brien’s Vietnam. — Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026

The Shards is a series made for (and probably by) people who can’t always distinguish among kitsch, camp, ironic detachment and affectionate nostalgia, and, frankly, don’t care. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026

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