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disengage

[ˌdɪsɪnˈɡeɪdʒ]
verb
desengajar
1. to separate or detach something from something else
The mechanic will disengage the clutch to stop the engine.
O mecânico vai desengajar a embreagem para parar o motor.
2. to withdraw from involvement or commitment
She decided to disengage from the toxic relationship.
Ela decidiu se desengajar do relacionamento tóxico.
3. to withdraw troops from combat or a military position
The army began to disengage from the occupied territory.
O exército começou a se desengajar do território ocupado.
4. to become free or released from something
The gears disengaged smoothly.
As engrenagens se desengajaram suavemente.
NYC Slang
bounce back, step away, ghost (informal context)
Synonyms
detachdisconnectseparatewithdrawreleaseextricate
Antonyms
engageattachconnectinvolvecommit

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
desengajar
Standard term used across Brazil
São Paulo
desengajar
Common usage, same as standard
Rio de Janeiro
desengajar
Standard usage
Portugal
desengatar
Alternative form commonly used in Portugal

Related Idioms & Phrases

disengage from reality
disengage the safety
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