Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To fasten, join, or connect one thing to another: To physically secure or link an object to something else.
   • To associate or connect in thought, feeling, or function: To attribute a quality, condition, or significance to something or someone.
   • To assign or appoint to a group or task: To join or affiliate someone with an organization, unit, or duty.
   • (Legal) To take or seize property by legal authority: To legally confiscate or take possession of assets.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To be connected or belong to: To be a natural or inherent part of something; to come with or be associated with.

Usage Examples

• Verb (transitive):

  • Please attach the file to your email. (Fasten/join)
  • She is deeply attached to her childhood home. (Associated in feeling)
  • The manager will attach a new intern to our team. (Assign/affiliate)
  • The court ordered to attach the debtor's bank account. (Legally seize)

• Verb (intransitive):

  • Great responsibility attaches to this leadership role. (Belongs to/is inherent in)

Advanced Usage

• "to attach importance/significance/value to something": To consider something important or valuable.

  • The company attaches great importance to customer feedback.

• "to attach oneself to": To join or follow a person, group, or cause, often closely.

  • The young reporter attached herself to the campaign to cover the story.

• "to attach a condition to something": To make something dependent on a specific requirement.

  • The bank approved the loan but attached several conditions.

Variants and Related Words

• Attachable (adj): Capable of being attached.

  • The device comes with an attachable strap.

• Attachment (n):

  • The act of attaching or the state of being attached.

    • The attachment of the trailer to the car was quick.
  • A feeling of affection or loyalty.

    • She felt a strong attachment to her mentor.
  • A computer file sent with an email.

    • Please open the email attachment.

• Detach (v): The opposite action; to separate or remove something that is attached.

Synonyms

• Fasten: To close or join securely.
• Affix: To stick or attach, especially physically.
• Connect: To bring together or link.
• Assign: To designate for a specific purpose.
• Confiscate: To seize by authority (legal sense).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Attach to: This is the fundamental structure, not a separable phrasal verb. It means to connect or associate with.
  • Several benefits attach to this position. (Intransitive)
  • You must attach the cable to the port. (Transitive)

Related Idioms

• No strings attached: Without any special conditions or obligations.

  • They offered their help with no strings attached.

• Attached at the hip: (Informal) Used to describe two people who are always together or very close.

  • Ever since they met, they've been attached at the hip.

Verb

1. take temporary possession of as a security, by legal authority
   • The FBI seized the drugs
   • The customs agents impounded the illegal shipment
   • The police confiscated the stolen artwork
2. create social or emotional ties
   • The grandparents want to bond with the child
3. become attached
   • The spider's thread attached to the window sill
4. be attached; be in contact with
5. cause to be attached