detachment

[dih-tach-muhnt]

noun

1. the act of detaching.

2. the condition of being detached. detached.

3. aloofness, as from worldly affairs or from the concerns of others.

   Synonyms: unconcern, indifference, coolness

4. freedom from prejudice or partiality.

5. the act of sending out a detached detached force of troops or naval ships.

6. the body of troops or ships so detached. detached.

detachment

/ dɪˈtætʃmənt /

noun

1. indifference to other people or to one's surroundings; aloofness

2. freedom from self-interest or bias; disinterest

3. the act of disengaging or separating something

4. the condition of being disengaged or separated; disconnection

5. military

   1. the separation of a small unit from its main body, esp of ships or troops

   2. the unit so detached

6. a branch office of a police force

7. logic the rule whereby the consequent of a true conditional statement, given the truth of its antecedent, may be asserted on its own See also modus ponens

Other Word Forms

• nondetachment noun
• predetachment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of detachment¹

From the French word détachement, dating back to 1660–70. See detach, -ment

Example Sentences

When situated within this broader context of a professed commitment to scientific detachment, Oppenheimer’s behavior becomes more intelligible.

From Salon

I think there’s a detachment between the person and the people.

From Los Angeles Times

Group Captain Henton's biography on the RAF's website states that she "has served at RAF Stations in the UK, and completed worldwide deployments and detachments".

From BBC

His Leo makes little effort to fit in, and he’s resented all the more for his lofty detachment.

From Los Angeles Times

Both ironic detachment and detached cynicism, in turn, are incompatible with the gestures toward hope that are inherent in protest.

From Salon

Related Words

• indifference 
• neutrality 
• objectivity 
• remoteness www.thesaurus.com