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

In reality, Loesby contends, many struggles reflect predictable structural mismatches — a lawyer who prefers depth and analysis struggling in a role that rewards constant responsiveness, or one who thrives on collaboration disengaging in isolation. — Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

Tolerating Chinese regional hegemony would throw East Asian allies under the bus, and disengaging from the Middle East would leave Israel to fend for itself. — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026

The remaining workforce splits between disengaged and actively working against the organization. — Miriam Groom, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Those are responsible for starting the diesel engines, which can be divorced via a lever that engages and disengages the inboard steering clutches. — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 20 Aug. 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