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

• clear
• disembarrass
• disentangle
• extricate
• free
• liberate
• release
• untangle

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

The next morning, Michaela’s husband, Peter (none other than Kevin Bacon), returns, full of compliments but obviously disengaged. —Caroline Framke, Vulture, 22 May 2025

Keep in mind that unclear rules can also lead older loyalty members to disengage. —Len Covello, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

Biden's diagnosis may give them another reason to disengage in conversations about his cognitive health. MORE: Former President Joe Biden's cancer diagnosis: What does a Gleason score of 9 mean? —Averi Harper, ABC News, 20 May 2025

And don’t understate this: With Jimmy Butler disengaged or suspended from late December until his trade, Miami finished last in the league in free-throw attempts per 48 minutes late in close games. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025

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