disengage

verb

dis·​en·​gage ˌdis-in-ˈgāj How to pronounce disengage (audio)
disengaged; disengaging; disengages
Synonyms of disengagenext

transitive verb

: to release from something that engages or involves

intransitive verb

: to release or detach oneself : withdraw
disengagement
ˌdis-in-ˈgāj-mənt How to pronounce disengage (audio)
noun

Synonyms of disengage

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After three minutes, the session was complete, and the nozzle disengaged. — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026 The upper part of the rocket, which boosted two lunar landers into space in January last year, disengaged as the two spacecraft went on their way. — Miles Doran, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026 Leaders are disengaged too, say experts Gallup’s report also looks at how the experiences of leaders, managers, project managers and individual contributors differs at work. — Barnaby Lashbrooke, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Kiffin cited other concerns, ranging from backups disengaging if more close games provide fewer on-field opportunities to the long-term wear and tear on players’ bodies. — Seth Emerson, New York Times, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for disengage

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of disengage was in 1611

Rhymes for disengage

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Browse Nearby Words

disenfranchised
disengage
disengaged
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Cite this Entry

“Disengage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disengage. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

disengage

verb
dis·​en·​gage ˌdis-ᵊn-ˈgāj How to pronounce disengage (audio)
: to free or release from an engagement, entanglement, or burden
disengage an automobile clutch
disengagement
-mənt How to pronounce disengage (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on disengage

Nglish: Translation of disengage for Spanish Speakers

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