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.
The trooper then disengaged near the Manchester town line and did not pursue the driver. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2025 Innovation dries up, and high performers disengage. Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Yet that very framing is anathema to the Chinese side—and likely to cause Beijing to disengage altogether. Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 29 Apr. 2025 In fact, at no time does Defendant-Mangione ask to leave, attempt to leave or try to disengage from the detention. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 28 Apr. 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 5 May. 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

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