disengage

verb

dis·​en·​gage ˌdis-in-ˈgāj How to pronounce disengage (audio)
disengaged; disengaging; disengages
Synonyms of disengagenext

transitive verb

: to release from something that engages or involves

intransitive verb

: to release or detach oneself : withdraw
disengagement noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Although, if using in normal conditions, these binoculars are a handy small pair that have easy-to-use image stabilization (IS) which even disengages after five minutes of use to prevent accidentally leaving it on for too long. Matt Morris, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2026 The volume also ran counter to the muted response from cultural figures, including musicians, who have been surprisingly disengaged from the conflict. Lily Moayeri, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2026 Compared with those who primarily consumed political information passively and without engaging, active participants were far more likely to report losing sleep, losing their temper and feeling unable to disengage from politics. Stephen Neely, The Conversation, 3 Mar. 2026 After a short standoff, both forces reportedly disengaged. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disengage

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of disengage was in 1611

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Cite this Entry

“Disengage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disengage. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

disengage

verb
dis·​en·​gage ˌdis-ᵊn-ˈgāj How to pronounce disengage (audio)
: to free or release from an engagement, entanglement, or burden
disengage an automobile clutch
disengagement noun

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