Detachment — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /di-ˈtach-mənt/ de·tach·ment

Meaning & Definition of Detachment

Detachment (noun)

  1. the action or process of detaching, separation
  2. the dispatch of a body of troops or part of a fleet from the main body for a special mission or service
  3. the part so dispatched

Detachment (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. lack of favoritism toward one side or another

    "the judge showed commendable detachment when deciding the controversial case"

    similar: disinterest, disinterestedness, equity, evenhandedness, fair-mindedness, fairness, impartiality, justice, neutralism, neutrality, nonpartisanship, objectiveness, objectivity
    related: apathy, indifference, unconcern, broad-mindedness, open-mindedness, tolerance, fence-sitting, straddling
    opposite: bias, favor, favoritism, nonobjectivity, one-sidedness, partiality, partisanship, prejudice
    near: chauvinism, nepotism, subjectiveness, subjectivity, bent, inclination, leaning, penchant, predilection, predisposition, proclivity, propensity, tendency, preconception, prejudgment

  2. a small military unit with a special task or function

    "the general sent a detachment ahead to scout the enemy's position"

    similar: detail
    related: commando, firing squad, outpost, paratroops, patrol, picket, rear guard, sentry, watch, battalion, command, company, corps, division, platoon, regiment, squad, squadron, troop, wing

  3. the absence of emotional involvement

    "his detachment allowed him a clearer perspective on the child custody case"

    similar: coldness, cool, dispassion, dispassionateness
    related: equitability, equitableness, fairness, disinterest, disinterestedness, impartiality, nonpartisanship, objectivity, unbiasedness, balance, rationality, rationalness, reasonability, reasonableness, calm, calmness, peace, peacefulness, placidity, quiet, quietness, quietude, repose, restfulness, sereneness, serenity, tranquility, tranquilness, reserve, undemonstrativeness, unresponsiveness, apathy, indifference
    near: emotionalism, bias, favor, one-sidedness, partiality, partisanship, prejudice

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Detachment

The most common words with a similar meaning to Detachment:

disinterest, disinterestedness, equity, evenhandedness, fair-mindedness, fairness, impartiality, justice, neutralism, neutrality, nonpartisanship, objectiveness, objectivity, detail, coldness, cool, dispassion, dispassionateness

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Detachment

Words with the opposite meaning of Detachment:

bias, favor, favoritism, nonobjectivity, one-sidedness, partiality, partisanship, prejudice

Related Words for Detachment

apathy, indifference, unconcern, broad-mindedness, open-mindedness, tolerance, fence-sitting, straddling, commando, firing squad, outpost, paratroops, patrol, picket, rear guard, sentry, watch, battalion, command, company, corps, division, platoon, regiment, squad, squadron, troop, wing, equitability, equitableness

Near Antonyms of Detachment

chauvinism, nepotism, subjectiveness, subjectivity, bent, inclination, leaning, penchant, predilection, predisposition, proclivity, propensity, tendency, preconception, prejudgment, emotionalism

Origin & Etymology of Detachment

First known use: 1671

Words & Phrases Containing Detachment

retinal detachment

Frequently Asked Questions about Detachment

What does "Detachment" mean?

"Detachment" means the action or process of detaching, separation. As a noun, it is defined as: the action or process of detaching, separation. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Detachment"?

Other words for "Detachment" include disinterest, disinterestedness, equity, evenhandedness, fair-mindedness, fairness, impartiality and justice. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Detachment" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Detachment"?

There are 71 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Detachment". Common alternatives include disinterest, disinterestedness, equity, evenhandedness, fair-mindedness, fairness, impartiality, justice, neutralism and neutrality.

What is the opposite of "Detachment"?

Antonyms of "Detachment" include bias, favor, favoritism, nonobjectivity, one-sidedness, partiality, partisanship and prejudice. Near antonyms include chauvinism, nepotism, subjectiveness and subjectivity.

How do you use "Detachment" in a sentence?

Examples of "Detachment" in a sentence: "the judge showed commendable detachment when deciding the controversial case"; "the general sent a detachment ahead to scout the enemy's position"; "his detachment allowed him a clearer perspective on the child custody case".

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

"Detachment" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Detachment"?

"Detachment" is pronounced /di-ˈtach-mənt/ and divided into syllables as de·tach·ment.

What is the origin of the word "Detachment"?

First known use: 1671.