Detached

/dɪˈtætʃt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To separate from a larger mass; remove.

He decided to detach the paperwork from the binder before submitting it.

To withdraw oneself from something; disengage.

She needed to detach herself from her emotions to make a rational decision.

adjective

Separate or disconnected; not influenced by or involved with something.

She remained emotionally detached from the situation, observing it without becoming involved.

Not joined or connected; physically separated.

They lived in a detached house, with plenty of space between them and their neighbors.

Indifferent or aloof; lacking interest or concern.

His detached attitude during the meeting surprised his colleagues, who expected more engagement.

from Middle English 'detachen', derived from Old French 'détacher', meaning 'to unhook'

detached from reality

having a lack of awareness or connection with the actual situation.

detached observation

viewing or analyzing situations without emotional involvement.

detach

to separate or remove something from another.

detachment

the state of being detached or disconnected.

out of touch

He seems really detached from what's happening in the news.

emotionally unavailable

She acts detached, as if she doesn't care about anyone else's problems.