attachment
noun
at·tach·ment
ə-ˈtach-mənt 
plural attachments
1
: a seizure by legal process
also
: the writ or precept commanding such seizure
2
b
: affectionate regard
a deep attachment to nature
c
psychology
: a strong emotional bond that an infant forms with a caregiver (such as a mother) especially when viewed as a basis for normal emotional and social development
Of course, the mother provides food and warmth, but for the purposes of attachment what really matters is the sense of safety, comfort, and refuge the mother provides.—
Henry Gleitman et al.
Henry Gleitman et al.
also
: the process by which an infant forms such an emotional bond
Healthy attachment, via attuned parenting, equips human beings for resilience, success, and emotional, psychological, and physiological well-being. —Lindsey Porter
Lindsey Porter 3
: a device attached to a machine or implement
4
: the physical connection by which one thing is attached to another
5
: the process of physically attaching
6
: a separate document or file that is included and sent with an electronic message (such as an email or text message)
The trick to sending attachments successfully is to know what e-mail program and operating system your recipient uses.—Adam C. Engst
Adam C. EngstExamples of attachment in a Sentence
The vacuum cleaner attachments help clean in tight spaces.
I need a longer attachment for the drill.
I'll send the document as an attachment to my next e-mail.
Recent Examples on the Web
Specifically, PayPal customers should: Not call any phone numbers, open attachments, or click on any links within suspicious invoice or money request messages.
—Davey Winder, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
Lenovo is also toying with that idea through its Solar Power Kit attachment proof of concept.
—Ars Technica, 6 Mar. 2025
This super potent lunation asks you to let go of self-limiting beliefs and unhealthy attachments in your love life.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025
Memoir My Abyss Patrick Cottrell Obsession will always be an attractive fresh hell for a person like me, a product of abandonment with a longing for attachment.
—Max Ufberg, hazlitt.net, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for attachment
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Davey Winder, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
Lenovo is also toying with that idea through its Solar Power Kit attachment proof of concept.
—Ars Technica, 6 Mar. 2025
This super potent lunation asks you to let go of self-limiting beliefs and unhealthy attachments in your love life.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025
Memoir My Abyss Patrick Cottrell Obsession will always be an attractive fresh hell for a person like me, a product of abandonment with a longing for attachment.
—Max Ufberg, hazlitt.net, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for attachment
Cite this Entry
“Attachment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attachment. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
attachment
noun
at·tach·ment
ə-ˈtach-mənt
1
: a legal taking of property
2
: strong affection : fondness
3
: a device with a special use that is attached to a machine or tool
attachments for a vacuum cleaner
4
: the connection by which one thing is attached to another
5
: the process of physically attaching
6
: a document or file that is sent with email
Medical Definition
attachment
noun
at·tach·ment
ə-ˈtach-mənt
1
: a strong emotional bond that an infant forms with a caregiver (such as a mother) especially when viewed as a basis for normal emotional and social development
also
: the process by which an infant forms an attachment
2
: the physical connection by which one thing is attached to another
sever the attachments of a muscle to a bone
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