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Definitions

disengage

[dis-en-geyj] / ˌdɪs ɛnˈgeɪdʒ /
VERB
free from connection
Synonyms
STRONGEST
back off detach disconnect disentangle dissociate extricate liberate withdraw
STRONG
abstract disassociate disjoin disunite divide ease loose loosen release separate unbind uncouple undo unfasten unloose untie
WEAK
back out cut loose cut out drop out opt out pull the plug set free unfix weasel out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
attach connect couple entangle join link
STRONG
collect combine fasten gather hold keep maintain unite
WEAK
bind engage

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“If professionals feel offended and disengage, they will provide a less effective service, which in turn may lead clients to rely even more on AI, which further weakens the relationship,” says Palmeira.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

The tactics are a significant shift for the Pentagon, which has mostly avoided targeting Iraqi militias in recent years, seeking to disengage from a painful conflict once and for all.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 8, 2026

International pressure has been increasing on the backers of this conflict to disengage.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

"That's why some young people disengage even if they technically still have access…without peers present, both the social feedback and the mood payoff drop sharply."

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026

“He promised to come to me as soon as he could disengage himself from Knightley; but he and Knightley are shut up together in deep consultation.—Mr. E. is Knightley’s right hand.”

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.