# disengage

/dɪsɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/ (US) · /dˌɪsɛnɡˈeɪdʒ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disengage
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

to move away from something or to stop being involved in a situation. You use this when you want to describe taking your foot off the gas or ending a connection.

For teachers: to move away from a position of contact or to cease being involved in an activity. Often describes the physical act of removing a mechanical connection or the metaphorical act of withdrawing from a social or emotional state.

## Examples

- He disengaged the clutch to stop the car.
- The pilot had to disengage the autopilot system to manually navigate through the thick cloud bank.
- After years of intense political pressure, the ambassador finally disengaged from the negotiations, citing a lack of progress and a need to protect national interests.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.