Definition

1. Verb (Transitive):

   • To disconnect or separate something from something else to which it is attached or joined.
   • To send (a person or unit) away from a main group or force for a special duty or assignment.

2. Verb (Intransitive):

   • To become separated or disconnected from something.

Usage and Examples

• Transitive Verb (to separate an object):
  • Please detach the bottom portion of the form and return it to us.
  • It is important to detach the power cable before opening the device.
• Transitive Verb (to send on separate duty):
  • The general decided to detach two platoons to guard the bridge.
• Intransitive Verb (to become separated):
  • The trailer can detach from the truck for easier parking.
  • In some medical conditions, the retina can detach.

Advanced Usage

• "to detach oneself from": To emotionally or mentally distance oneself from a situation, person, or group.
  • She had to learn to detach herself from the stressful events at work.
• Used in a formal or technical context to describe a clean, deliberate separation.
  • The robotic arm is designed to detach and reattach modules autonomously.

Variants and Related Words

• Detachable (Adjective): Designed to be removed or separated.
  • The coat has a detachable hood.
• Detached (Adjective):
  • Not connected or joined; separate.

    • They live in a detached house.
  • Aloof or impersonal; showing a lack of emotional involvement.

    • He observed the argument with a detached calm.
• Detachment (Noun):
  • The state of being disconnected or separated.

    • the detachment of the key from the ring
  • A group of troops, ships, etc., sent away from a main body for a special duty.

    • a reconnaissance detachment
  • A lack of emotion or personal interest; aloofness.

    • She spoke with an air of detachment.

Synonyms

• Separate: To cause to move or be apart.
• Disconnect: To break the connection of or between.
• Unfasten: To open or release something that is fixed or closed.
• Remove: To take away or off from the position occupied.

Antonyms

• Attach: To fasten or join one thing to another.
• Connect: To bring together or into contact so that a link is established.
• Affix: To stick, attach, or fasten something to something else.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Detach from: This is the standard construction, not a distinct phrasal verb. The preposition "from" is used to indicate the point of separation.
  • You need to detach the old filter from the unit.

Related Idioms

• "Detached point of view": An objective, unbiased perspective.
  • The historian tried to maintain a detached point of view when analyzing the conflict.
• "In detachment": In a state of being separated or emotionally uninvolved.
  • He watched the family drama unfold in quiet detachment.

Verb

1. come to be detached
   • His retina detached and he had to be rushed into surgery
2. separate (a small unit) from a larger, especially for a special assignment
   • detach a regiment
3. cause to become detached or separated; take off
   • detach the skin from the chicken before you eat it