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detach

/dɪˈtætʃ/
verb★Intermediate
general

to separate or remove something from something else

The mechanic detached the car battery to perform maintenance.

The mechanic removed the car battery to work on it.

He detached the screen from the laptop to repair it.

He removed the screen from the laptop to fix it.

💡

Can be used both physically and metaphorically.

figurative

to become emotionally or mentally separated from something

After the breakup, she needed time to detach from the relationship.

After the breakup, she needed time to emotionally separate from the relationship.

He tried to detach himself from the project to avoid burnout.

He tried to mentally separate himself from the project to avoid stress.

💡

Often used in psychological or emotional contexts.

Collocations

detach fromto separate or remove from somethingdetach oneselfto emotionally or mentally separate oneself from something

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

detach oneselfphrase
to emotionally or mentally separate oneself from something

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

Use 'detach' when referring to removing or separating something physically or emotionally.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'detachen', from Old French 'détacher', from 'des-' (dis-) + 'tacher' (to attach).

📝Usage Notes

Can be used both literally (physical separation) and figuratively (emotional separation).

Word Breakdown

de-
away, off
prefix
+
-tach
to attach
root
English Dictionary

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