detach

Universal Words verb 1 ~ (sth) (from sth) to remove sth from sth larger; to become separated from sth: [VN] Detach the coupon and return it as soon as possible * One of the panels had become detached from the main structure. * [V] The skis should detach from the boot if you fall. 2 [VN] ~ yourself (from sb/sth) (formal) to leave or separate yourself from sb/sth: She detached herself from his embrace. * (figurative) I tried to detach myself from the reality of these terrible events. * A figure in white detached itself from the shadows. compareATTACH 3 [VN] (technical) to send a group of soldiers, etc. away from the main group, especially to do special duties: Five destroyers were detached to carry out a bombardment of the port.