attachment
noun
at·tach·ment ə-ˈtach-mənt 
plural attachments
1
: a seizure by legal process
also : the writ or precept commanding such seizure
2
a
: the state of being personally attached : fidelity
attachment to a cause
b
: affectionate regard
a deep attachment to nature
c
psychology : a strong emotional bond that an infant forms with a caregiver (such as a mother) especially when viewed as a basis for normal emotional and social development
Of course, the mother provides food and warmth, but for the purposes of attachment what really matters is the sense of safety, comfort, and refuge the mother provides.
Henry Gleitman et al.
Henry Gleitman et al. also : the process by which an infant forms such an emotional bond
Healthy attachment, via attuned parenting, equips human beings for resilience, success, and emotional, psychological, and physiological well-being. Lindsey Porter
Lindsey Porter 3
: a device attached to a machine or implement
4
: the physical connection by which one thing is attached to another
5
: the process of physically attaching
6
: a separate document or file that is included and sent with an electronic message (such as an email or text message)
The trick to sending attachments successfully is to know what e-mail program and operating system your recipient uses. Adam C. Engst
Adam C. Engst
Synonyms
- affection
- devotedness
- devotion
- fondness
- love
- passion
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
The vacuum cleaner attachments help clean in tight spaces. I need a longer attachment for the drill. I'll send the document as an attachment to my next e-mail.
Recent Examples on the Web Seneca’s assertion is that an attachment to riches will bring misery, and the research couldn’t support him more clearly. Arthur C. Brooks, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2022 Bake those sourdough loaves, mix that cupcake batter, or add an attachment to spiral vegetables, make sausage, pasta, shred cheese, and so much more. Ysolt Usigan, Woman's Day, 15 Sep. 2022 Hightwower volunteers to go to Dragonstone with an attachment to retrieve the egg. Josh St. Clair, Men's Health, 29 Aug. 2022 Perfect for the mom who's always on move, this trendy crossbody comes complete with a comfortable-to-wear shoulder strap, multiple storage options, and an attachment that fastens to a stroller. Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 24 Aug. 2022 Robert wore 17 at Eastie and developed an attachment to the number. Khalin Kapoor, BostonGlobe.com, 18 July 2022 Other highlights include 180-degree neck rotation and 360-degree head rotation for more versatile shooting, plus there's an attachment for digital or DSLR cameras in addition to its universal smartphone holder. Camryn Rabideau, Popular Mechanics, 16 July 2022 Worse, imagine if an email attachment mistakenly gets sent to the wrong recipient. Antti Nivala, Forbes, 15 July 2022 The campaign began with a phishing email with an HTML attachment leading to the proxy server. Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 12 July 2022 See More
Arthur C. Brooks, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2022 Bake those sourdough loaves, mix that cupcake batter, or add an attachment to spiral vegetables, make sausage, pasta, shred cheese, and so much more. Ysolt Usigan, Woman's Day, 15 Sep. 2022 Hightwower volunteers to go to Dragonstone with an attachment to retrieve the egg. Josh St. Clair, Men's Health, 29 Aug. 2022 Perfect for the mom who's always on move, this trendy crossbody comes complete with a comfortable-to-wear shoulder strap, multiple storage options, and an attachment that fastens to a stroller. Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 24 Aug. 2022 Robert wore 17 at Eastie and developed an attachment to the number. Khalin Kapoor, BostonGlobe.com, 18 July 2022 Other highlights include 180-degree neck rotation and 360-degree head rotation for more versatile shooting, plus there's an attachment for digital or DSLR cameras in addition to its universal smartphone holder. Camryn Rabideau, Popular Mechanics, 16 July 2022 Worse, imagine if an email attachment mistakenly gets sent to the wrong recipient. Antti Nivala, Forbes, 15 July 2022 The campaign began with a phishing email with an HTML attachment leading to the proxy server. Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 12 July 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing attachment
Kids Definition
attachment
noun
at·tach·ment ə-ˈtach-mənt
1
: connection by feelings of affection or regard
The children had a strong attachment to their grandmother.
2
: an extra part that can be attached to a machine or tool
vacuum cleaner attachments
3
: a connection by which one thing is joined to another The attachment that connects the oar to the rowboat is broken.
4
: a document or file that is sent with email
Medical Definition
attachment
noun
at·tach·ment ə-ˈtach-mənt
1
: a strong emotional bond that an infant forms with a caregiver (such as a mother) especially when viewed as a basis for normal emotional and social development
also : the process by which an infant forms an attachment
2
: the physical connection by which one thing is attached to another
sever the attachments of a muscle to a bone
attachment
noun
1
as in affection
a feeling of strong or constant regard for and dedication to someone I doubt that there's any permanent attachment between the two teenagers Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- affection
- love
- devotion
- respect
- passion
- longing
- fondness
- desire
- enthusiasm
- appreciation
- devotedness
- liking
- infatuation
- adoration
- preference
- regard
- loyalty
- yearning
- craving
- allegiance
- crush
- zeal
- esteem
- partiality
- like
- fervor
- eagerness
- worship
- fidelity
- lust
- taste
- relish
- idolatry
- estimation
- fancy
- ardor
- faithfulness
- idolization
- appetite
- adulation
- deification
- steadfastness
- favor
- fealty
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- hatred
- hostility
- hate
- aversion
- loathing
- antagonism
- animosity
- rancor
- antipathy
- enmity
- dislike
- allergy
- abomination
- repulsion
- repugnance
- disgust
- revulsion
- abhorrence
- disfavor
- misanthropy
2
as in accessory
something that is not necessary in itself but adds to the convenience or performance of the main piece of equipment bought a grinder attachment for the kitchen mixer Synonyms & Similar Words
- accessory
- option
- appliance
- appendage
- adapter
- adaptor
- adjunct
- accessary
- add-on
- enhancement
- equipment
- additive
- accompaniment
- accouterment
- auxiliary
- accoutrement
- ornament
- complement
- incidental
- trappings
- supplement
- embroidery
- appurtenances
- subsidiary
- trimming
- decoration
- filler
- adornment
- extra
- furnishings
- paraphernalia
- luxury
- nonnecessity
- embellishment
- habiliment(s)
- frill
- doodad
- trim
- garnish
- nonessential
- amenity
- bells and whistles
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- requirement
- necessity
- essential
- requisite
3
as in allegiance
adherence to something to which one is bound by a pledge or duty an unflinching attachment to the marriage, through times both good and bad Synonyms & Similar Words
- allegiance
- devotion
- loyalty
- commitment
- dedication
- fidelity
- adhesion
- steadfastness
- faithfulness
- affection
- fealty
- constancy
- devotedness
- piety
- faith
- fastness
- determination
- resolution
- fondness
- troth
- firmness
- reliability
- dependability
- trustiness
- trustworthiness
- trustability
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- alienation
- falsity
- separation
- falseness
- treachery
- disloyalty
- infidelity
- inconstancy
- perfidy
- faithlessness
- disaffection
- unfaithfulness
- estrangement
- perfidiousness