to release or become released from a connection, obligation, etc to withdraw (forces) from close action to move (one's blade) from one side of an opponent's blade to another in a circular motion to bring the blade into an open line of attack
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
dis•en•gage /ˌdɪsɛnˈgeɪdʒ/USA pronunciation
v., -gaged, -gag•ing.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- (of an army) to stop fighting and move back:[no object]As the enemy retreated, we were ordered to disengage.
- to (cause to) become released from connection: [no object]Suddenly the clutch just disengaged.[~ + object]Disengage the clutch and let's see what happens.
- to free (oneself ) from;
separate from:[~ + object]I tried to disengage myself from his grip.
dis•en•gage
(dis′en gāj′),USA pronunciation v., -gaged, -gag•ing.
v.t.
v.i.
dis•en•gag•ed•ness
(dis′en gā′jid nis, -gājd′-),USA pronunciation n.
v.t.
- to release from attachment or connection; loosen;
unfasten:to disengage a clutch. - to free (oneself ) from an engagement, pledge, obligation, etc.:He accepted the invitation, but was later forced to disengage himself.
- Militaryto break off action with (an enemy).
v.i.
- to become disengaged;
free oneself.
- Middle French desengager, equivalent. to des- dis-1 + engager to engage
- 1605–15
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