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Glite Dictionary
✂️ To remove 💔 To let go
to unattach

to unattach

1 7.5
To stop feeling close to someone or something
  • verb
  • /ˌʌnəˈtæʧ/
translation icon : 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 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
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 separate
vsto unattach
481 2.9

To move apart or stop being together

is more about ending emotional ties rather than only physical movement
to withdraw
vsto unattach
466 2.8

To stop taking part in a place or activity

often implies reducing involvement while the key severs attachment entirely
to let go of
vsto unattach
356 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 disconnect
vsto unattach
161 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 disengage
vsto unattach
82 5.3

To stop being part of or connected to something

adds the idea of ending emotional attachment as well as stopping action
to distance oneself from
vsto unattach
75 7.0

Keep away from someone or something to show no connection

covers both deliberate emotional separation and physical detachment
to divorce
vsto unattach
59 4.6

To separate yourself completely from someone or something

is similar but also applies to nonlegal emotional or physical breaks
to shake off
vsto unattach
41 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 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 wean
vsto unattach
23 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 detach
vsto unattach
16 4.0

To come apart from something it is connected to

includes intentional emotional separation as well as physical separation
to disassociate
vsto unattach
16 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 cut the cord
vsto unattach
  • Informal
5 6.6

To stop depending on someone or something and become independent

covers ending ties but also includes simple physical separation
to unbind
vsto unattach
3 6.4

To free something by untying ropes or cords

covers releasing emotional bonds as well as undoing physical restraints
to dissociate
vsto unattach
3 6.7

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

includes ending personal ties but also covers physical separation
to estrange
vsto unattach
  • Formal
2 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 unstick
vsto unattach
1 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 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
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
239 2.9

To feel a strong connection to a person or thing

How Attached

to cling
240 2.1
to hold on
141 2.0
to let go
381 3.7
to unattach
1 7.5
to sever
67 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.