Word
detach
Phoneticsde·tach, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdɪˌtætʃ/
UK/dɪtˈætʃ/
Definition
v. to separate something from a larger group or object. In the military, it means to move a unit away from its main group to do a different job.
v. to separate or disengage something from a larger whole or from a specific location. In a military context, it refers to the formal removal of a unit from its parent formation for a specific mission.
Examples
“The army decided to detach a small group to guard the border.”
“The general ordered the detachment of the medical unit to provide immediate aid to the injured soldiers.”
“By detaching the reconnaissance squad from the main column, the commander ensured that the enemy would not be aware of the primary objective until the final phase of the operation began.”
Examples
simple
“The army decided to detach a small group to guard the border.”
contextual
“The general ordered the detachment of the medical unit to provide immediate aid to the injured soldiers.”
complex
“By detaching the reconnaissance squad from the main column, the commander ensured that the enemy would not be aware of the primary objective until the final phase of the operation began.”
Real-World Examples
“The 1-liter water basin detaches from the base for easy filling.” Etymology
From Old French destachier, from the same root as attach; compare French détacher and Portuguese and Spanish destacar.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/detach