What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
detach
Example
Please detach the bottom portion of the form and return it to us. [detach: verb]
Example
It's important to detach yourself emotionally from work in order to maintain a healthy work-life balance. [detach: reflexive verb]
Example
Before cleaning the appliance, make sure to detach it from the power source. [detach: verb]
disengage
Example
I had to disengage from the argument before it escalated any further. [disengage: verb]
Example
The emergency brake is designed to disengage the wheels from the engine. [disengage: verb]
Example
To remove the jammed paper, you need to disengage the printer's rollers. [disengage: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Detach is more commonly used than disengage in everyday language. Detach is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while disengage is less common and has a more specific usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between detach and disengage?
Both detach and disengage are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
