Attachment — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ə-ˈtach-mənt/ at·tach·ment

Meaning & Definition of Attachment

Attachment (noun)

  1. a seizure by legal process; also, the writ or precept commanding such seizure
  2. the state of being personally attached, fidelity
  3. affectionate regard

Attachment (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a feeling of strong or constant regard for and dedication to someone

    "I doubt that there's any permanent attachment between the two teenagers"

    similar: affection, devotedness, devotion, fondness, love, passion
    related: appetite, fancy, favor, like, liking, partiality, preference, relish, taste, craving, crush, desire, infatuation, longing, lust, yearning, ardor, eagerness, enthusiasm, fervor, zeal, appreciation, esteem, estimation, regard, respect, adoration, adulation, deification, idolatry, idolization, worship, allegiance, faithfulness, fealty, fidelity, loyalty, steadfastness
    opposite: abomination, hate, hatred, loathing, rancor
    near: allergy, animosity, antagonism, antipathy, aversion, disfavor, dislike, enmity, hostility, abhorrence, disgust, repugnance, repulsion, revulsion, misanthropy

  2. something that is not necessary in itself but adds to the convenience or performance of the main piece of equipment

    "bought a grinder attachment for the kitchen mixer"

    similar: accessory, accoutrement, adapter, add-on, adjunct, appendage, appliance, option
    related: accompaniment, additive, complement, supplement, auxiliary, subsidiary, amenity, doodad, embroidery, extra, filler, frill, incidental, luxury, nonessential, nonnecessity, appurtenances, bells and whistles, equipment, furnishings, habiliment(s), paraphernalia, trappings, adornment, decoration, embellishment, enhancement, garnish, ornament, trim, trimming
    near: essential, necessity, requirement, requisite

  3. adherence to something to which one is bound by a pledge or duty

    "an unflinching attachment to the marriage, through times both good and bad"

    similar: adhesion, allegiance, commitment, constancy, dedication, devotedness, devotion, faith, faithfulness, fastness, fealty, fidelity, loyalty, piety, steadfastness, troth
    related: affection, fondness, determination, firmness, resolution, dependability, reliability, trustability, trustiness, trustworthiness
    opposite: disloyalty, faithlessness, falseness, falsity, inconstancy, infidelity, perfidiousness, perfidy, treachery, unfaithfulness
    near: alienation, disaffection, estrangement, separation

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Attachment

The most common words with a similar meaning to Attachment:

affection, devotedness, devotion, fondness, love, passion, accessory, accoutrement, adapter, add-on, adjunct, appendage, appliance, option, adhesion, allegiance, commitment, constancy, dedication, faith, faithfulness, fastness, fealty, fidelity, loyalty, piety, steadfastness, troth

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Attachment

Words with the opposite meaning of Attachment:

abomination, hate, hatred, loathing, rancor, disloyalty, faithlessness, falseness, falsity, inconstancy, infidelity, perfidiousness, perfidy, treachery, unfaithfulness

Related Words for Attachment

appetite, fancy, favor, like, liking, partiality, preference, relish, taste, craving, crush, desire, infatuation, longing, lust, yearning, ardor, eagerness, enthusiasm, fervor, zeal, appreciation, esteem, estimation, regard, respect, adoration, adulation, deification, idolatry

Near Antonyms of Attachment

allergy, animosity, antagonism, antipathy, aversion, disfavor, dislike, enmity, hostility, abhorrence, disgust, repugnance, repulsion, revulsion, misanthropy, essential, necessity, requirement, requisite, alienation, disaffection, estrangement, separation

Word Forms of Attachment

Inflections: attachments

Origin & Etymology of Attachment

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Attachment

Words & Phrases Containing Attachment

attachment parenting, on attachment

Frequently Asked Questions about Attachment

What does "Attachment" mean?

"Attachment" means a seizure by legal process; also, the writ or precept commanding such seizure. As a noun, it is defined as: a seizure by legal process; also, the writ or precept commanding such seizure. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Attachment"?

Other words for "Attachment" include affection, devotedness, devotion, fondness, love, passion, accessory and accoutrement. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Attachment" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Attachment"?

There are 99 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Attachment". Common alternatives include affection, devotedness, devotion, fondness, love, passion, accessory, accoutrement, adapter and add-on.

What is the opposite of "Attachment"?

Antonyms of "Attachment" include abomination, hate, hatred, loathing, rancor, disloyalty, faithlessness and falseness. Near antonyms include allergy, animosity, antagonism and antipathy.

How do you use "Attachment" in a sentence?

Examples of "Attachment" in a sentence: "I doubt that there's any permanent attachment between the two teenagers"; "bought a grinder attachment for the kitchen mixer"; "an unflinching attachment to the marriage, through times both good and bad".

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

"Attachment" is a noun.

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

As a B2-level word, "Attachment" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Attachment"?

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