attachment

noun

at·​tach·​ment ə-ˈtach-mənt How to pronounce attachment (audio)
plural attachments
1
: a seizure by legal process
also : the writ or precept commanding such seizure
2
a
: the state of being personally attached : fidelity
attachment to a cause
b
: affectionate regard
a deep attachment to nature
c
psychology : a strong emotional bond that an infant forms with a caregiver (such as a mother) especially when viewed as a basis for normal emotional and social development
Of course, the mother provides food and warmth, but for the purposes of attachment what really matters is the sense of safety, comfort, and refuge the mother provides.Henry Gleitman et al.
also : the process by which an infant forms such an emotional bond
Healthy attachment, via attuned parenting, equips human beings for resilience, success, and emotional, psychological, and physiological well-being. Lindsey Porter
3
: a device attached to a machine or implement
4
: the physical connection by which one thing is attached to another
5
: the process of physically attaching
6
: a separate document or file that is included and sent with an electronic message (such as an email or text message)
The trick to sending attachments successfully is to know what e-mail program and operating system your recipient uses.Adam C. Engst

Examples of attachment in a Sentence

The vacuum cleaner attachments help clean in tight spaces. I need a longer attachment for the drill. I'll send the document as an attachment to my next e-mail.
Recent Examples on the Web For Shaw, Ibsen is daring to point out a glaring weakness of democracy — an attachment to the status quo that can manifest as a resistance to progress. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2024 The release and the attachments to this release provide a reconciliation of each of the Non-GAAP measures referred to in this release to the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 This attachment is critical to a baby’s development. Meghan Leahy, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024 Their emotional attachment to the analog peculiarities of the 911 model—the distinctive whir of the flat-six valvetrain, the distinctly oily aromas, the uncannily light and accurate steering— this is the stuff of obsession. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2024 While the man wore a safety harness, there was no lanyard, rope, or any other attachment connected to the D-ring on the back of the harness that would have connected him to the roof, the complaint states. Steve Lieberman, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2024 With an assortment of barrel sizes, heat technologies, and attachments, there’s a curling iron out there for any kind of curl, from loose, beachy waves like Blake Lively to tight coils like Gabrielle Union. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 26 Feb. 2024 Anyone who’s butchered a deer knows that a deer’s front legs do not sport the ball-and-socket attachment of the rear legs. Scott Bestul, Field & Stream, 28 Feb. 2024 Review and Submit: Before submitting your application, review all entries and attachments for accuracy. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'attachment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of attachment was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near attachment

Cite this Entry

“Attachment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attachment. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

attachment

noun
at·​tach·​ment ə-ˈtach-mənt How to pronounce attachment (audio)
1
: a legal taking of property
2
: strong affection : fondness
3
: a device with a special use that is attached to a machine or tool
attachments for a vacuum cleaner
4
: the connection by which one thing is attached to another
5
: the process of physically attaching
6
: a document or file that is sent with e-mail

Medical Definition

attachment

noun
at·​tach·​ment ə-ˈtach-mənt How to pronounce attachment (audio)
1
: a strong emotional bond that an infant forms with a caregiver (such as a mother) especially when viewed as a basis for normal emotional and social development
also : the process by which an infant forms an attachment
2
: the physical connection by which one thing is attached to another
sever the attachments of a muscle to a bone
attach verb

More from Merriam-Webster on attachment

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