disengage

verb

dis·​en·​gage ˌdis-in-ˈgāj 

disengaged; disengaging; disengages

transitive verb

: to release from something that engages or involves

intransitive verb

: to release or detach oneself : withdraw

disengagement

ˌdis-in-ˈgāj-mənt 

noun

Synonyms

• clear
• disembarrass
• disentangle
• extricate
• free
• liberate
• release
• untangle

Examples of disengage in a Sentence

The two dancers moved together in a series of quick movements before disengaging and leaping apart.

Put the car in gear, and then slowly disengage the clutch while pressing on the gas pedal.

If there is a malfunction, the gears will automatically disengage.

Recent Examples on the Web

If engagement matters at your organization, disengaging from political discourse might be the best path forward. —Chris Westfall, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

Reuters Stellantis is recalling 44,500 hybrid crossover SUVs worldwide because the brake pedal in the vehicles could disengage and stop working. —Detroit Free Press, 17 Oct. 2024

Teams that feel unheard are disengaged and less likely to contribute meaningfully. —Brent Gleeson, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024

Young people who were disengaged are now engaged, interested, active, volunteering. —NBC News, 6 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French désengager, from Middle French, from des- dis- + engager to engage

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

disengage

verb

dis·​en·​gage ˌdis-ᵊn-ˈgāj 

: to free or release from an engagement, entanglement, or burden

disengage an automobile clutch

disengagement

-mənt 

noun