/ dɪˈtætʃ; NAmE / verb
1.
detach (sth) (from sth) to remove sth from sth larger; to become separated from sth :
[ vn ]
Detach the coupon and return it as soon as possible
One of the panels had become detached from the main structure.
[ v ]
The skis should detach from the boot if you fall.
—compare attach
2.
[ vn ] detach yourself (from sb/sth) ( formal ) to leave or separate yourself from sb/sth :
She detached herself from his embrace.
( figurative )
I tried to detach myself from the reality of these terrible events.
3.
[ vn ] ( technical ) to send a group of soldiers, etc. away from the main group, especially to do special duties
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WORD ORIGIN
late 16th cent. (in the sense discharge a gun ): from French détacher , earlier destacher , from des- (expressing reversal) + attacher attach.