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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Detach: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：disconnect or unfasten (detach)

detach 🔊

/dɪˈtætʃ/

To separate two things that were connected or joined.

Detach meaning illustrated by hands separating two connected Lego bricks.

disconnect or unfasten 🔊

➕

/dɪskəˈnekt ɔːr ʌnˈfæsən/

To physically separate something from another object to which it was previously linked or joined.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From French 'détacher' (des- 'apart' + attacher 'to attach').

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'de-tach' as doing the opposite of 'attach'. Imagine pressing a detach button to release something.

📖 Example

After assembling the model, she carefully detached one wing to adjust its angle. 🔊 After assembling the model, she carefully detached one wing to adjust its angle.

🔗 Collocations

detach from – to separate one part from a larger object

detach oneself from – to physically move away from something

easily detachable – designed to be separated without difficulty

🔄 Synonyms

separate (v.) – To move things apart so they are no longer together.

disconnect (v.) – To break the physical link between two things, often related to utilities or devices.

remove (v.) – To take something away from a place or position.

🚫 Antonyms

attach (v.) – To fasten or join one thing to another.

connect (v.) – To bring together or link two or more things.

join (v.) – To connect or fasten things together.

🌱 Derivatives

detachable (adj.) – Designed to be removed or separated.

detached (adj.) – Not physically connected; standing alone.

detachment (n.) – The action or process of detaching; separation.

📖 Cultural Story

Originally a French military term from the 17th century for sending out a small, independent group of troops from a larger force. It entered English with this specific sense of strategic separation, later broadening to general use.

Meaning 2：distance oneself emotionally (detach)

detach 🔊

/dɪˈtætʃ/

To separate yourself emotionally from a situation or person.

Emotional detach concept shown by a person reading alone, distanced from a group.

distance oneself emotionally 🔊

➕

/ˈdɪstəns wʌnˈself ɪˈmoʊʃənəli/

To consciously create emotional or psychological distance from a situation or person to maintain objectivity or reduce stress.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

As a doctor, he learned to detach himself from patients' emotional pain to make clear decisions. 🔊 As a doctor, he learned to detach himself from patients' emotional pain to make clear decisions.

🔗 Collocations

detach emotionally – to separate one's feelings from a situation

detach oneself from – to mentally step back from a difficult circumstance

detached perspective – an objective viewpoint without emotional involvement

🔄 Synonyms

distance (v.) – To become less involved or connected emotionally.

disengage (v.) – To withdraw from involvement in an emotional situation.

dissociate (v.) – To disconnect or separate, especially from thoughts or feelings.

🚫 Antonyms

involve (v.) – To engage emotionally or personally in something.

attach (v.) – To form an emotional bond or connection.

engage (v.) – To participate or become involved with interest.

🌱 Derivatives

detached (adj.) – Aloof or emotionally uninvolved; impartial.

detachment (n.) – A state of emotional disconnection or objectivity.