disengage
/ˌdɪsɪnˈɡeɪdʒ
/ /ˌdɪsɛnˈɡeɪdʒ/verb
1 [with object] Separate or release (someone or something) from something to which they are attached or connected: I disengaged his hand from mine they clung together for a moment, then she disengaged herself...
- A one-hand or a two-hand release disengages the locking features.
- Shift into reverse, disengage the handbrake, release the pressure on the clutch.
- Once outside he connected the trailer to his truck - disengaging the automatic brakes - and watched with horror as the whole vehicle began rolling down the slope.
Synonyms
remove, detach, disentangle, extricate, separate, release, loosen, loose, disconnect, unfasten, unclasp, uncouple, decouple, undo, unhook, unloose, unhitch, untie, unyoke, disentwine;
free, set free, liberate
rare disjoin, disunite, disarticulate
1.1 [no object] Become released: the clutch will not disengage...
- It's completely transparent to the user: you simply accelerate when you want to go, and when you want to stop the car, do so - the engine will idle with the clutch disengaged.
- The supercharger provides boost from just off idle until its clutch progressively disengages near mid-range.
- This protects the gearbox from undue stress, gives improved results at mowing, topping etc., and is safer as it ensures that the tractor stops moving when the clutch disengages.
2 [with object] Remove (troops) from an area of conflict: the ceasefire gave the commanders a chance to disengage their forces [no object]: plans were already afoot for the Americans to disengage from the city...
- A government statement that troops will disengage from the country by the end of the year has been derided as a political stunt.
- For peace forces to disengage from coalitions that do not yet have the perfect answers would be both wrong and tragic.
- All ships, disengage from enemy forces and rendezvous according to plan three.
Synonyms
withdraw, leave, pull out of, move out of, quit, retreat from, retire from, delink from
3 [no object] Fencing Pass the point of one’s sword over or under the opponent’s sword to change the line of attack.In order to do a precise disengage, you need a precise parry....
- If your lunge causes your opponent to react more than he is comfortable with, you will have the freedom to disengage anytime.
- The name of the attack is derived solely from the blade motion - for example: disengage, one-two, and so on.
noun Fencing
A disengaging movement.Your feint (which always precedes a disengage even if you don't mean to) should be in a clear line....
- The intention was to pick up Clarence's arm on the disengage.
- The second illustration shows the losing fencer having dropped his point and commenced a disengage to the inside line.