detachment

noun

de·​tach·​ment di-ˈtach-mənt 

dē-

1

: the action or process of detaching : separation

2

a

: the dispatch of a body of troops or part of a fleet from the main body for a special mission or service

b

: the part so dispatched

c

: a permanently organized separate unit usually smaller than a platoon and of special composition

3

a

: indifference to worldly concerns : aloofness

b

: freedom from bias or prejudice

Synonyms

• disinterest
• disinterestedness
• equity
• evenhandedness
• fair-mindedness
• fairness
• impartiality
• justice
• neutralism
• neutrality
• nonpartisanship
• objectiveness
• objectivity

Examples of detachment in a Sentence

I wish the article had approached the issue with a bit more detachment.

The form is perforated to make detachment of the bottom section easier.

A detachment of soldiers was called to assist the police.

Recent Examples on the Web

The World Health Organization defines burnout as a state of chronic stress that leads to physical and emotional exhaustion, detachment, and feelings of ineffectiveness. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Woman from 1925, also known as Woman in Three Stages, shows desire, detachment and death on the same canvas while a man throbs with pain off to the side. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Dec. 2024

The film’s lack of sequence or narrative and reliance on pure visual effects leads to a sense of detachment or dépaysement as outlined by Breton. —Noor Anand Chawla, JSTOR Daily, 9 Dec. 2024

In a world that prizes ironic detachment, embracing such earnest silliness can feel deeply uncomfortable. —Mikala Jamison, The Atlantic, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing detachment

• retinal detachment

Kids Definition

detachment

noun

de·​tach·​ment di-ˈtach-mənt 

1

: the action or process of detaching : separation

2

a

: the sending out of a body of troops or part of a fleet from the main body

b

: a small military unit with a special task or function

3

a

: a lack of interest in worldly concerns

b

: freedom from the influence of emotions : impartiality