Disengagement

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ËŒdɪs.ɪŋˈɡeɪdÊ’.mÉ™nt/

Origin

• dis- + engage + -ment

Full definition of disengagement

Noun

1. Release or detachment from a physical situation or other involvement.
• 1818, Walter_Scott, Rob Roy, ch. 10,My thanks to you for my speedy disengagement from the ridiculous accusation of Morris.
2. The separation or release of a chemical.
• 1836, Washington_Irving, Astoria, ch. 26,Others have endeavored to account for these discharges of "mountain artillery" on humbler principles; attributing them . . . to the disengagement of hydrogen, produced by subterraneous beds of coal in a state of ignition.
3. (dated) Leisure; relief from responsibilities or onerous activities.
4. (military, politics) Withdrawal from combat, confrontation, or the assertion of influence.
5. Termination of an agreement to be married.
6. (fencing) A circular movement of the blade that blocks an opponent's parry.
• 1895, Francis_Marion_Crawford, Taquisara, ch. 23,There was a quick flash, a disengagement, a feint, a lunge that was like a man's, and as her long left arm shot out like lightning, her foil bent nearly double.
7. (medicine, obstetrics) The emergence of the fetus from the birth canal.