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.
Talent rarely disengages overnight, burnout does not strike out of nowhere and organizational trust does not vanish over a single meeting. — Natalie Grabher, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 On sidewalks and paths, there is a 10 mph speed limit, and riders must yield to pedestrians and disengage their electric motor, using only pedal power. — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 In reality, Loesby contends, many struggles reflect predictable structural mismatches — a lawyer who prefers depth and analysis struggling in a role that rewards constant responsiveness, or one who thrives on collaboration disengaging in isolation. — Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Tolerating Chinese regional hegemony would throw East Asian allies under the bus, and disengaging from the Middle East would leave Israel to fend for itself. — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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