Disengage: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone or something stops being involved or connected in an active way, often in a mechanical or military context.

• The driver disengaged the clutch.
• The troops began to disengage from the battlefield.

Used when someone or something pulls back or removes themselves from a situation, position, or commitment. Often used in contexts such as military, finance, or personal interactions.

• The troops were ordered to withdraw from the conflict zone.
• She decided to withdraw her savings from the bank.
• He seemed withdrawn and didn’t want to participate in the conversation.

Often describes the separation of something that was attached or connected, either physically or emotionally. Can be used in personal relationships, or for physical objects.

• Please detach the payment slip from the invoice.
• She tried to detach herself emotionally from the situation.

Commonly used when talking about interruptions or separations in communication or physical connections, such as electronics or utilities. Can also refer to emotional distancing.

• Make sure to disconnect the power before repairing the appliance.
• He felt disconnected from his friends after moving to a new city.

Used when someone or something removes themselves from a situation or connection, often with a sense of deliberate choice.

• She tried to disengage from the conversation to avoid further conflict.
• The machine automatically disengages when it overheats.

Employed when letting go of something held or restrained, can be used both literally and figuratively.

• The fisherman released the caught fish back into the water.
• She finally released her grip on past grievances.

Used when separating one thing from another, often physically, but can also be used metaphorically to indicate emotional separation.

• He detached the trailer from his truck.
• She found it hard to detach herself emotionally from the project.

Typically used when dividing something into distinct parts or when creating space between things, both literally and metaphorically.

• It’s important to separate work life from personal life.
• The teacher asked the students to separate into small groups.