disengage

1 of 2

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

disengagement

2 of 2

noun

dis·​engagement "+ 

1

: the act of disengaging or state of being disengaged : detachment

2

: freedom from ties, occupation, or constraint in mode of life or in manner : ease, relaxation

3

: the cancellation of an engagement of marriage

Synonyms of disengage

Verb

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

Examples of disengage in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

Nothing about that reaches the employee who is steadily gaining weight, quietly disengaging from exercise or managing chronic stress without any support. — Neepa Patel, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026

The students disengaged when a school staff member approached. — Eric Peterson, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

With an automatic transmission, the engine is never disengaged from the wheels in drive. — Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 14 Sep. 2026

Vicki disengaging is par for the course at this point — and speaking of par, the women arrive at the country club to practice their golf swings and deliver enough material to fill an episode. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

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