disengage

[ dis-en-geyj ]
/ ˌdɪs ɛnˈgeɪdʒ /

verb (used with object), dis·en·gaged, dis·en·gag·ing.

to release from attachment or connection; loosen; unfasten: to disengage a clutch.
to free (oneself) from an engagement, pledge, obligation, etc.: He accepted the invitation, but was later forced to disengage himself.
Military. to break off action with (an enemy).

verb (used without object), dis·en·gaged, dis·en·gag·ing.

to become disengaged; free oneself.

Origin of disengage

1605–15; < Middle French desengager, equivalent to des- dis-1 + engager to engage

OTHER WORDS FROM disengage

dis·en·gag·ed·ness [dis-en-gey-jid-nis, -geyjd-] /ˌdɪs ɛnˈgeɪ dʒɪd nɪs, -ˈgeɪdʒd-/, noun self-dis·en·gag·ing, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for disengaged

British Dictionary definitions for disengaged

disengage
/ (ˌdɪsɪnˈɡeɪdʒ) /

verb

to release or become released from a connection, obligation, etc press the clutch to disengage the gears
military to withdraw (forces) from close action
fencing to move (one's blade) from one side of an opponent's blade to another in a circular motion to bring the blade into an open line of attack

Derived forms of disengage

disengaged, adjective