disengage
UK: ˌdɪsɪnˈɡeɪdʒ | US: ˌdɪsɪnˈɡeɪdʒ
vt. to separate or detach from a connection or involvement
vt. to release from an engagement or obligation
vi. to withdraw from physical contact or conflict
The word "disengage" combines the prefix "dis-" (from Latin "dis-," meaning "apart" or "away") with the verb "engage" (from Old French "engagier," meaning "to pledge" or "involve"). The prefix negates or reverses the action of the root, creating the sense of "undoing involvement" or "withdrawing." Originally used in military contexts (e.g., withdrawing troops), it later broadened to describe emotional or mechanical detachment (e.g., disengaging gears).
The pilot had to disengage the autopilot during the storm.
She tried to disengage herself from the heated argument.
The clutch allows the driver to disengage the engine from the wheels.
After years of activism, he decided to disengage from politics.
The therapist taught him techniques to disengage from stressful thoughts.