disengage

verb

dis·​en·​gage ˌdis-in-ˈgāj 

disengaged; disengaging; disengages

transitive verb

: to release from something that engages or involves

intransitive verb

: to release or detach oneself : withdraw

disengagement

ˌdis-in-ˈgāj-mənt 

noun

Synonyms of disengage

• liberate
• free
• extricate
• save
• redeem
• disentangle
• release
• rescue
• cut loose

Examples of disengage in a Sentence

The two dancers moved together in a series of quick movements before disengaging and leaping apart.

Put the car in gear, and then slowly disengage the clutch while pressing on the gas pedal.

If there is a malfunction, the gears will automatically disengage.

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite that, Abdi said organizers are urging voters discouraged by the shooting and the Senate race not to disengage entirely. — Juhi Doshi, ABC News, 22 July 2026

Always disengage the power source for safety before sharpening. — David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 22 July 2026

Because the locking control is separated from the blade’s closing path, users can disengage the mechanism without placing a finger directly where the edge will fold. — New Atlas, 21 July 2026

When pay gaps persist or widen, women are more likely to disengage, change jobs, or leave roles. — Kara Dennison, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

French désengager, from Middle French, from des- dis- + engager to engage

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for disengage

• interstage
• macrophage
• multistage
• age
• gauge
• phage
• plage
• rage
• stage
• wage
• alienage
• assuage

Kids Definition

disengage

verb

dis·​en·​gage ˌdis-ᵊn-ˈgāj 

: to free or release from an engagement, entanglement, or burden

disengage an automobile clutch

disengagement

-mənt 

noun