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

New York Times Gen X bosses are disengaging, while Gen Z talent is quitting. — Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 13 July 2026

Restoring our energy and disengaging from our work identities takes time, and cannot be magically found over a weekend. — Dj Didonna, Time, 13 July 2026

Joseph said Levovitz is trying to sell the property and has disengaged with the tenants’ union after previously agreeing to make repairs last month. — Dylan Lysen july 11, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2026

Shoppers learn to ignore prompts, disable features or disengage entirely. — Gadi Graus, Forbes.com, 8 July 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