detachment

noun

1. 1

   The action of detaching; separation.

   But the horse has left his mark, for his successor is a mechanical horse designed to a large extent to copy the leading characteristics of the live horse; easy attachment to or detachment from its load, a small turning circle, a small appetite for petrol, but giving a much higher acceleration and speed, and so capable of much greater distances, so that fewer cartage units are required.

2. 2

   The state of being detached or disconnected; insulation.

3. 3

   Indifference to the concerns of others; disregard; nonchalance; aloofness.

4. 4

   Absence of bias; impartiality; objectivity.

5. 5

   The separation of a military unit from the main body for a particular purpose or special mission.

6. 6

   The unit so dispatched.

   Vietnamese sovereignty over the Paracels dated back at least to the early 19th century, when Emperor Gia-Long sent a detachment to Hoang Sa Island, it remained until the establishment of French protectorate over Annam, when France assumed responsibility for the islands.

7. 7

   A permanent unit organized for special duties.

8. 8

   Any smaller portion of a main body separately employed.

Forms

plural

detachments