disengage

/ˌdɪsɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/ (bre, ipa) · [dɪsɪnɡˈedʒ] /ˌdɪsɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/ (ame, ipa) · [dɪsɪnɡˈedʒ] /ˌdis-in-ˈgāj How to pronounce disengage (audio)/ (ame, mw)

disengage — verb

  • disengagepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • disengageshe / she / it
  • disengagedpast simple
  • disengaging-ing form

1. to come loose from something it was joined to, or to separate two connected part

1.動詞及物 / 不及物C1
釋義

to come loose from something it was joined to, or to separate two connected parts.

例句

When Bao lifted the handle, the metal hook disengaged from the gate.

disengage from + object after being connected

The dentist disengaged the tiny tool from the wire before cleaning it.

同義詞
  • detach

    slightly more general; often used when something is removed completely

  • unhook

    more specific to hooks, clips, or catches

  • separate

    broader and less mechanical than 'disengage'

反義詞
  • attach

    to join one thing to another

  • fasten

    to make two parts stay connected

文法句型

disengage from + noun phrase

disengage + noun + from + noun phrase

用法筆記

Often used when two parts were locked, hooked, or fastened together. Unlike sense 2, this meaning is about physical contact between parts, not turning a control system off.

常見錯誤

❌The hook disengaged with the gate.
✅The hook disengaged from the gate.
💡use 'from' to show what the part comes loose from.
❌She disengaged the necklace.
✅She disengaged the clasp from the necklace.
💡name the part that is being separated.

2. to make a control feature stop directing a machine or process, or to stop workin

2.動詞及物 / 不及物C1
釋義

to make a control feature stop directing a machine or process, or to stop working in that way.

例句

Felix pressed the pedal to disengage cruise control on the icy road.

disengage + control feature on a vehicle

The pilot disengaged the autopilot before landing on the short runway.

同義詞
  • deactivate

    more general and common for electronic or digital systems

  • switch off

    everyday phrase; can sound less technical than 'disengage'

  • disable

    often suggests stopping a function so it cannot operate

反義詞
  • engage

    to make the system begin operating

  • activate

    to turn a control feature on

文法句型

disengage + control/system

control/system + disengage

用法筆記

Usually used for a control function rather than for the whole machine. Distinguish from sense 1, where two physical parts come apart, and from sense 3, which is specifically about a car clutch.

常見錯誤

❌The driver disengaged the car.
✅The driver disengaged the cruise control.
💡this sense turns off a control feature, not the entire machine.
❌The alarm disengaged from the door.
✅The alarm disengaged.
💡here the meaning is that the system stopped operating, not that a part came loose.

3. to use the clutch so that power from the engine stops reaching the wheels for a

3.動詞及物C1
釋義

to use the clutch so that power from the engine stops reaching the wheels for a moment.

例句

Valentina disengaged the clutch too quickly and the car jumped forward.

disengage the clutch in a manual car

The instructor told the new driver to disengage the clutch before changing gear.

同義詞
  • depress

    used for pressing the clutch pedal down, but it names the action more literally

  • release

    can describe the pedal movement, but it is less exact about the mechanical result

  • disconnect

    explains the result, though it is less idiomatic in driving lessons

反義詞
  • engage

    to connect the engine to the wheels again

文法句型

disengage the clutch

disengage the clutch before + -ing

用法筆記

This sense belongs to manual driving and is much narrower than sense 2. It focuses on cutting the engine's connection to the wheels so you can change gear or stop smoothly.

常見錯誤

❌He disengaged the brake before changing gear.
✅He disengaged the clutch before changing gear.
💡this sense is about the clutch, not the brake.
❌She disengaged the clutch from the car.
✅She disengaged the clutch.
💡the object is simply 'the clutch' in this driving use.

4. to step back from an activity, argument, or fight so that you, or someone else,

4.動詞及物 / 不及物C1
釋義

to step back from an activity, argument, or fight so that you, or someone else, are no longer involved.

例句

Christopher chose to disengage from the online argument before it ruined his evening.

disengage from + argument or activity

After years abroad, the army began to disengage from the border towns.

同義詞
  • withdraw

    broader and often more formal; common for groups, armies, or competitions

  • pull away

    more informal; often suggests moving out of a tense situation

  • detach oneself

    puts more focus on emotional distance than on action

反義詞
  • engage

    to become actively involved

  • join in

    to start taking part in an activity or discussion

文法句型

disengage from + activity/argument/fight

disengage + noun + from + group/activity

用法筆記

Often suggests a deliberate move away from conflict, commitment, or a harmful connection. Distinguish from sense 1, which is about physical separation, and from sense 2, which is about a machine control.

常見錯誤

❌She disengaged the meeting.
✅She disengaged from the meeting.
💡use 'from' when someone stops taking part.
❌The company disengaged of the project.
✅The company disengaged from the project.
💡the normal preposition is 'from', not 'of'.