Attach — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ə-ˈtach/ at·tach

Meaning & Definition of Attach

Attach (verb)

  1. to take by legal authority especially under a writ
  2. to bring (oneself) into an association
  3. to assign (an individual or unit in the military) temporarily

Attach (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to cause (something) to hold to another

    "you can attach the buttons to the puppet with fabric glue"

    similar: affix, bend, fasten, fix
    related: adhere, bolt, cinch, clamp, clasp, clench, clinch, clip, glue, hang, harness, hasp, lace, lash, latch, nail, paste, pin, plaster, rivet, screw, shackle, staple, stick, strap, tack, tackle, tie, toggle, yoke, coapt, connect, join, link, unite, reaffix, reattach, refasten, refix, resecure, batten, belay, button, do up
    opposite: detach, undo, unfasten, unhook
    near: break up, disconnect, disjoin, disjoint, dissever, dissociate, disunite, divide, divorce, part, separate, sever, split, sunder, uncouple, unlink, unyoke, loose, loosen, unbind, unfix, unlash, untie

  2. to pick (someone) by one's authority for a specific position or duty

    "attached the colonel to the new regiment"

    similar: appoint, assign, commission, constitute, designate, detail, name, nominate, place
    related: authorize, delegate, depute, deputize, anoint, consecrate, create, inaugurate, induct, install, instate, institute, invest, make, ordain, crown, enthrone, throne, choose, destine, draft, elect, handpick, select, single (out), vote (in)
    opposite: discharge, dismiss, expel, fire
    near: blackball, depose, dethrone, displace, eject, evict, oust, overthrow, remove, throw out, uncrown, unmake, unseat

  3. to take ownership or control of (something) by right of one's authority

    "attached the house for nonpayment of property taxes"

    similar: confiscate, expropriate, sequester
    related: garnishee, appropriate, arrogate, preempt, usurp, commandeer, seize, take over
    near: cede, deliver, forfeit, give up, hand over, release, relinquish, render, surrender, turn over, yield

Related Entry: Attach (to) (verb)

Attach (to) is a different word from Attach. The synonyms below are for attach (to), not for attach.

  1. as in connect (with), communicate (with)

    similar: communicate (with), connect (with), link (with), abut, adjoin, border (on), butt (on or against), flank, fringe, join, march (with), neighbor, skirt, touch, verge (on), bound, embrace, encircle, enclose, fence, line, margin, rim, surround, contact, converge, meet

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Attach

The most common words with a similar meaning to Attach:

affix, bend, fasten, fix, appoint, assign, commission, constitute, designate, detail, name, nominate, place, confiscate, expropriate, sequester

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Attach

Words with the opposite meaning of Attach:

detach, undo, unfasten, unhook, discharge, dismiss, expel, fire

Related Words for Attach

adhere, bolt, cinch, clamp, clasp, clench, clinch, clip, glue, hang, harness, hasp, lace, lash, latch, nail, paste, pin, plaster, rivet, screw, shackle, staple, stick, strap, tack, tackle, tie, toggle, yoke

Near Antonyms of Attach

break up, disconnect, disjoin, disjoint, dissever, dissociate, disunite, divide, divorce, part, separate, sever, split, sunder, uncouple, unlink, unyoke, loose, loosen, unbind, unfix, unlash, untie, blackball, depose, dethrone, displace, eject, evict, oust

Word Forms of Attach

Inflections: attached, attaching, attaches

Derived words: attachable (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Attach

Middle English, from Anglo-French attacher, alteration of Old French estachier, from estache stake, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English staca stake

First known use: 14th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Attach

Frequently Asked Questions about Attach

What does "Attach" mean?

"Attach" means to take by legal authority especially under a writ. As a verb, it is defined as: to take by legal authority especially under a writ. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Attach"?

Other words for "Attach" include affix, bend, fasten, fix, appoint, assign, commission and constitute. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Attach" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Attach"?

There are 94 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Attach". Common alternatives include affix, bend, fasten, fix, appoint, assign, commission, constitute, designate and detail.

What is the opposite of "Attach"?

Antonyms of "Attach" include detach, undo, unfasten, unhook, discharge, dismiss, expel and fire. Near antonyms include break up, disconnect, disjoin and disjoint.

How do you use "Attach" in a sentence?

Examples of "Attach" in a sentence: "you can attach the buttons to the puppet with fabric glue"; "attached the colonel to the new regiment"; "attached the house for nonpayment of property taxes".

Is "Attach" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Attach" is a verb.

Is "Attach" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Attach" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Attach"?

"Attach" is pronounced /ə-ˈtach/ and divided into syllables as at·tach.