detachment

A small group of soldiers sent away from the main force to do a particular job.

• A small detachment stayed behind.
• They sent a detachment to protect the village.
• Two detachments arrived before dawn.

How to use it: detachment of someone (A detachment of soldiers guarded the entrance.)

Similar words: unit, detail

Common phrases: a small detachment, detachment of soldiers, army detachment

The act or process of separating something from what it is joined to.

• The crack caused detachment of the outer layer.
• Detachment of the cable stopped the machine.
• The doctor checked for retinal detachment.

How to use it: detachment of A from B (The storm caused the detachment of tiles from the roof.)

Similar words: separation, disconnection

Opposites: attachment

Common phrases: detachment from something, retinal detachment, complete detachment

The sending of part of a military force away from the main group for a particular job.

• The commander ordered the detachment of twenty soldiers.
• Temporary detachment from the regiment allowed them to guard the bridge.
• The plan required detachment of troops for border duty.

How to use it: detachment of someone from something (The orders required the detachment of soldiers from the main force.)

Common phrases: detachment of troops, temporary detachment, detachment for duty