Agency Dictionary

Detachment

nounPronunciation: /dɪˈtætʃ.mənt/

In Portuguese: Desapego

What does “Detachment” mean?

The state of being emotionally objective, aloof, or free from clingy psychological attachments to outcomes, possessions, or dogmas. In Eastern philosophy, it represents spiritual liberation.

Etymology

From French détachement, from the verb détacher, "to unfasten", in Old French destachier, formed with the prefix des- ("apart") on the same base as attachier ("to attach"). English took the noun in the 17th century, for the act of separating and for a body of troops sent away from the main force. The sense of emotional distance and freedom from involvement came later, from the image of a mind unfastened from things.

Usage note

The word can praise or blame: calm freedom from clinging in spiritual writing, coldness or lack of interest in everyday use. Texts on Buddhism often prefer non-attachment to avoid the second reading.

Synonyms

non-attachment
disengagement
aloofness
objectivity
dispassion
equanimity

Often confused with

indifference: Indifference is not caring at all; detachment, in the spiritual sense, is caring without clinging to the result.

Word family

detach
detached
detachable
detachedly

Usage examples

If you are so stuck on an old path, you will never be able to start a new journey, the art of detachment is subtle and light, but it can only be cultivated in the bravery that dwells in the strongest of hearts.

Concept

Worldview PluralismWorldview pluralism is the philosophical stance recognizing that multiple distinct, coherent systems of meaning and belief can simultaneously interpret the same physical…

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Words of the same theme

Antithesisnoun: A person, thing, or concept that represents the direct or exact opposite of another.
Discursiveadjective: Proceeding by reasoned argument or sequential exposition rather than by immediate visual intuition.
vocationnoun: A strong innate inclination or sense of purpose toward a particular career, craft, or calling.
Synchronicitynoun: The simultaneous occurrence of events that appear meaningfully related yet lack a direct causal connection.
Maximnoun: A concise statement expressing a fundamental principle, general truth, or practical rule of conduct.
Resiliencenoun: The capacity to withstand or recover quickly from difficulties, tough conditions, or shock.
Stigmanoun: A mark of social disgrace, shame, or prejudice associated with a particular circumstance, trait, or behavior.
clevernessnoun: The mental quality of being quick-witted, agile, and ingenious in solving specific situational problems.
rhetoricnoun: The art of effective and persuasive speaking or writing, especially through strategic linguistic devices.
Tangibleadjective: Perceptible by the sense of touch or capable of being physically grasped and measured in concrete physical reality. It distinguishes concrete material products from virtual or intellectual entities.
collective consciousnessnoun: The set of beliefs, ideas and feelings shared by the members of a society, which exists beyond any single person. By extension, what a community knows and repeats in common.

Also from these editions: terms

Treatisenoun: A formal, systematic, and comprehensive written work dealing methodically with the principles and evidence of a particular philosophical, scientific, or technical subject.
Artisannoun: A skilled craftsperson who manufactures tangible or digital goods with exceptional manual dexterity and care.
Braverynoun: The moral quality or mental disposition that enables a person to encounter danger, difficulty, or acute pain with resolute courage, composure, and firmness of purpose.
Chronicadjective: Persisting for a long period of time or recurring constantly as a deep habit or condition.
Compassnoun: A navigational instrument equipped with a magnetized needle indicating magnetic north and other cardinal directions. Metaphorically, it designates an ethical principle or core belief providing personal guidance.
Delusionnoun: A false belief or opinion maintained despite contrary factual evidence or sound logical reasoning.
Electromechanicaladjective: Combining both electrical and mechanical mechanisms to perform operations or transmit data.
Frictionnoun: Resistance encountered when two surfaces or systems interact, or operational resistance hindering user completion of an action in digital interfaces.
Habitualadjective: Done by way of habit or regular established custom rather than deliberate reflection.
Manifestonoun: A public written declaration setting forth the intentions, motives, political convictions, or philosophical principles of an individual, artistic group, or corporate enterprise.
Materialistnoun: A person who adheres to materialism, believing that physical matter is the only reality.
Monetizeverb: To convert an activity, audience, digital asset, or service into legal currency or financial revenue.