Meaning & Definition of word "Detachment"

Detachment

/dɪˈtætʃmənt/

noun:

  • 1. the state of being objective or aloof.
    • Example: His emotional detachment made it difficult for him to connect with others.
  • 2. a group of soldiers or vehicles sent away from a larger unit.
    • Example: The military sent a detachment to secure the area.
  • 3. the action or process of detaching or being detached.
    • Example: The detachment of the old wallpaper revealed the underlying paint.

Etymology

From Middle French 'détachement', from 'détacher', meaning 'to detach'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

emotional detachment:

The ability to separate oneself emotionally from a situation.

military detachment:

A unit of troops sent away from the main command for a specific purpose.

Related Words

detach:

To separate or remove something from a larger whole.

detached:

Having been separated or disconnected.

Slang Meanings of detachment

Meaning: Being chill or laid back about something.

Example Sentence: I'm just in a state of detachment about the whole drama.

Meaning: Taking a step back to avoid emotional investment.

Example Sentence: He was in full detachment mode during the argument.