disengage

verb

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

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.
That aligns with what the cybersecurity data shows: professionals disengage when forced to hide parts of themselves. Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 State police disengaged pursuit but was able to get the vehicle’s registration information. Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2025 Unhappy employees are more likely to miss work or quit, or to stay in their role but disengage from the workplace. Sunny Hubler, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2025 Most Black women – 67% – have disengaged from the news entirely just to protect their peace—a striking act of self-preservation in a country that expects Black women to keep pushing without pause. Essence, 17 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disengage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disengage. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on disengage

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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