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emotional detachment JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU

/ɪˈmoʊʃənəl dɪˈtætʃmənt/ · e·mo·tion·al de·tach·ment
noun
  1. A state in which a person remains uninvolved or uninfluenced by personal feelings, often to maintain objectivity or protect oneself from emotional distress. Therapists sometimes encourage emotional detachment when helping clients analyze traumatic memories.
  2. The quality of being aloof or indifferent toward others' emotions. His emotional detachment made it hard for his friends to confide in him.
Did you know? The phrase "emotional detachment" gained prominence in the 1960s with the rise of mindfulness practices, where it was taught as a way to observe feelings without becoming overwhelmed.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 15, 2026