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

Still, callers may disengage, ask for a person or abandon the call more often than expected. — Pete Hanlon, Forbes.com, 16 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

There are several clips of him striking blockers, knocking people backward and disengaging from blocks. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 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