Disengage

/dɪsɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To release or detach someone or something from a connection or engagement.

He decided to disengage the trailer from his truck before he parked it.

To withdraw or remove oneself from a situation, involvement, or activity.

She felt it was necessary to disengage from the heated debate.

To cause to become free or detached.

The mechanism will disengage once you press the button.

To stop participating or collaborating in an activity.

The company plans to disengage from the project due to budget cuts.

From 'dis-' meaning 'apart, asunder' + 'engage' from Old French 'engager' meaning 'to pledge'.

disengage from the situation

To intentionally withdraw or remove oneself from an ongoing scenario.

disengage the brakes

To release the brakes on a vehicle.

disengage emotionally

To emotionally detach oneself from a person or situation.

engage

To attract or involve someone in conversation or activity.

unengage

To reverse the act of engaging.

To zone out

I just needed to disengage for a bit and clear my mind.

To bail

I decided to disengage and bail on the party early.