✂️ To remove 💔 To let go

to unattach

1 7.5

To stop feeling close to someone or something

verb
/ˌʌnəˈtæʧ/

: desprenderse

He decided it was time to unattach his feelings and focus on his own happiness.

Examples

Well, just unattach yourself.

Fiction book (1994)
It took her a long time to unattach herself from the memories of their relationship.
After their argument, she began to unattach herself emotionally from the friendship.

Synonyms

to let go

vsto unattach

∞ 1.4

To stop holding something or someone so they are free

focuses on removing bonds both emotional and physical rather than just grip

to remove

vsto unattach

∞ 1.5

To move something or someone away from a place

is about ending emotional or physical bonds rather than just moving things

to get rid of

vsto unattach

∞ 1.6

To remove or throw away something you do not want

is similar but also includes removing emotional attachments rather than objects

to let go of

vsto unattach

391 1.9

To stop holding something so it is not in your hand

is broader by removing emotional links as well as physical ones

to separate

vsto unattach

321 2.9

To move apart or stop being together

is more about ending emotional ties rather than only physical movement

to withdraw

vsto unattach

311 2.8

To stop taking part in a place or activity

often implies reducing involvement while the key severs attachment entirely

to disconnect

vsto unattach

104 3.5

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

applies this idea also to emotional or interpersonal links rather than machines

to shake off

vsto unattach

80 3.6

Make something unwanted go away, like an illness, a feeling, or a person following you

can be intentional or gradual and includes physical as well as emotional ties

to disengage

vsto unattach

51 5.3

To stop being part of or connected to something

adds the idea of ending emotional attachment as well as stopping action

to banish

vsto unattach

27 6.1

Make a thought or feeling go away so it stops bothering you

is broader by covering physical separation as well as mental removal

to divorce

vsto unattach

25 4.6

To separate yourself completely from someone or something

is similar but also applies to nonlegal emotional or physical breaks

to wean

vsto unattach

25 5.9

Gradually make someone stop depending on something they are attached to

can be instant or gradual and applies to emotional and physical ties

to cut the cord

vsto unattach

Informal

16 6.6

To stop depending on someone or something and become independent

covers ending ties but also includes simple physical separation

to disassociate

vsto unattach

15 7.0

To end a connection with a person, group, or idea

adds the idea of removing inner feelings as well as official links

to detach

vsto unattach

9 4.0

To come apart from something it is connected to

includes intentional emotional separation as well as physical separation

to dissociate

vsto unattach

5 6.7

To stop being involved with a person, group, or idea

includes ending personal ties but also covers physical separation

to unbind

vsto unattach

4 6.4

To free something by untying ropes or cords

covers releasing emotional bonds as well as undoing physical restraints

to unstick

vsto unattach

3 3.9

To come away from something it was stuck to

adds emotional separation as well as the physical act of coming loose

to unloose

vsto unattach

Archaic

1 7.0

To make something less tight or set something free

also includes ending emotional ties rather than only making things loose

to estrange

vsto unattach

Formal

1 7.5

Make someone feel distant from family or friends

can be chosen by the person and includes physical separation too

to untether

vsto unattach

1 6.2

To free someone or something from limits so they can act more freely

adds emotional uncoupling as well as freeing from physical limits

to distance oneself from

vsto unattach

1 7.0

Keep away from someone or something to show no connection

covers both deliberate emotional separation and physical detachment

to disenthrall

vsto unattach

Archaic

1 9.9

To free someone from control or false ideas

focuses more generally on ending emotional or physical attachments

to disidentify

vsto unattach

1 8.9

Stop seeing yourself as part of a group or role

is broader by also removing outward social or physical connections

Antonyms

to attach

30 2.9

To feel a strong connection to a person or thing

How Attached

to cling

230 2.1

to hold on

145 2.0

to let go

655 3.7

to unattach

1 7.5

to sever

55 5.8

Surface Forms

unattach infinitive

unattached past

unattached past participle

unattaching present participle

unattaches third person singular

Morphology

unattach = attach (transparent) = un + attach

The negative prefix 'un-' applied to 'attach' yields the straightforward sense of removing or losing attachment (emotional or physical).

Etymology

Unattach is formed from un- ('reverse' or 'not') and attach ('to fasten or join'). A helpful way to remember the emotional sense is to think of 'undoing a connection', so to unattach yourself is to 'let go' of feelings or bonds with someone or something.