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

• clear
• disembarrass
• disentangle
• extricate
• free
• liberate
• release
• untangle

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

Research from Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin shows that individuals who can effectively disengage from unproductive goals and redirect their energy to alternative goals exhibit higher levels of psychological well-being. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024

The sun confronting Neptune compels you to disengage entirely. —USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024

More subtly, Trump could disengage from international organizations by neglecting to comply with their rules, refusing to attend critical meetings, or obstructing key agenda items. —Allison Carnegie, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2024

The 2024 Gallup global workplace report found that 77% of workers are disengaged, with significantly high levels of stress and worry. —Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

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

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