Disengagement

/ˌdɪsɪnˈɡeɪdʒmənt/ noun

Definition

The act of withdrawing, detaching, or breaking free from something; the state of being uninvolved or disconnected.

Etymology

Noun formed from 'disengage' (meaning to free or detach) plus '-ment' suffix. The term has both literal mechanical meanings and metaphorical emotional/social meanings.

Kelly Says

In international relations, 'disengagement' describes when a country pulls military forces out of a conflict; in personal relationships, it describes emotional withdrawal—same word, completely different stakes.

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