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to detach

to detach

12 4.3
To separate a part from a larger group for a special task
  • verb
  • /dɪˈtæʧ/
translation icon : separar
  • To clean the device, you can easily detach the battery from the main unit.
  • detached involvement
  • remain detached

Examples

  • Initially, these women were not happy about being detached from their work units.

    Academic text (1996)
  • When we hit 40,000 feet, the shuttle will detach, ascend... ...and then fire the first of two propellant systems, the liquid fuel boosters.

  • And you need to detach and seek an appropriate target.

  • You can actually detach the screen and boom, you can use it just like this.

  • I think this is where we can detach this part of the heat sink.

  • So we have detached him from his monitor.

  • General Digby, if you can detach your forces in this area... and approach Bristol from the east...

  • "Much to Gordie's surprise and relief, he found the ability to detach had not abandoned him.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • Lieutenant, permission to detach.

  • The astronaut must detach the module before returning to the main spacecraft.

Synonyms

to pull out
vsto detach
523 2.7

To take something out of a place, often with effort

is separation aimed specifically at preparing a part for a special use
to separate
vsto detach
297 1.9

To break into parts or pieces

is done to remove a unit specifically so it can perform a special job
to isolate
vsto detach
256 4.2

To keep someone or something apart from others

is removal of a unit so it can be assigned a special duty
to separate from
vsto detach
219 2.7

To keep one thing apart from another so they do not mix

is an active removal of a part meant to be used for a particular task
to disconnect
vsto detach
161 3.5

To separate something so it is no longer joined, for example remove a cable or turn off power

is separation that removes a piece to serve a distinct task assignment
to disengage
vsto detach
82 5.3

To stop being part of or connected to something

is removing a unit with the purpose of giving it a special assignment
to split up
vsto detach
47 2.6

To divide something into smaller parts

is specifically taking a part away to use it for a distinct assignment
to pull off
vsto detach
41 2.7

To take something off from where it is attached

is separation that focuses on assigning the removed part to a job
to unhook
vsto detach
35 2.5

To take something off where it hangs, like a coat or necklace

is the removal done in order to allocate the part for a particular task
to break off
vsto detach
28 2.8

To make a piece come away from something by hitting or bending it

is the act of removing a unit to be used for a special assignment
to dislodge
vsto detach
15 6.1

To force something or someone out of a place where they are stuck

is separation that is done to prepare a part for a specific task
to uncouple
vsto detach
5 5.3

To disconnect two things that are joined, often machine parts

is removal that separates a unit so it can perform a special assignment
to decouple
vsto detach
4 6.7

Disconnect parts that were joined so they work independently

is the act of taking away a part to use it for a focused task
to unbind
vsto detach
3 6.4

To free something by untying ropes or cords

is done to remove a part so it can serve a specific duty
to set apart
vsto detach
2 3.9

To keep something separate for a special use or to show it as different

is removal of a part specifically to carry out a special task
to unattach
vsto detach
1 6.1

To separate something from what it is connected to

is the same removal but done to assign that part for a special task
to untether
vsto detach
1 6.6

To release something that is tied or fastened so it can move away

is separation performed to set a unit aside for a particular task
to disjoin
vsto detach
1 7.4

Separate things that are attached to each other

is the act of removing a part specifically to assign it a particular task
to dissever
vsto detach
  • Formal
1 9.9

To cut or separate something into parts, often by breaking it

is the removal of a unit aimed at assigning it a particular function
to disjoint
vsto detach
1 7.0

To separate parts so they are no longer connected

is performed to take a unit away for a special operational purpose
to separate off
vsto detach
4.2

To divide a space with a wall or curtain to make a new area

is removal of a part from a larger whole to assign it a special task

Antonyms

459 2.5

To join or fasten one thing to another so they stay together

How Detached

to detach
12 4.3
to attach
459 2.5

Surface Forms

detach infinitive
detached past
detached past participle
detaching present participle
detaches third person singular

Morphology

detach = attach (transparent) = de + attach

This is a standard and recognizable reversal/removal formation from 'attach', meaning to remove from attachment or separate.

Etymology

Detach comes from the Latin parts de- ('away') and tangere ('to touch'), giving the idea of 'taking away from the main body'. A helpful image is a leader sending a small group 'away' from the main team, which is why to detach can mean to separate a part for a special task.