nonattachment
|non-at-tach-ment|
🇺🇸
/ˌnɑnəˈtætʃmənt/
🇬🇧
/ˌnɒnəˈtætʃmənt/
absence of clinging
Etymology
'nonattachment' originates from English elements: the prefix 'non-' (from Latin 'non' meaning 'not') combined with the noun 'attachment' (from Old French/Middle English 'attachement').
'attachment' developed from Middle English 'attachement' (from Old French 'atachier' / 'attacher' meaning 'to fasten or bind'); the modern compound 'nonattachment' was formed by adding the negative prefix 'non-' to 'attachment' to express absence of attachment.
Initially, 'attachment' could mean physical fastening or legal seizure as well as an emotional bond; over time the noun's dominant senses narrowed toward emotional/psychological bond, and 'nonattachment' came to denote especially the absence of emotional clinging or spiritual non-clinging.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state or quality of not being emotionally or mentally attached; absence of clinging or dependence on people, things, or outcomes.
Her practice of nonattachment helped her remain calm when plans changed unexpectedly.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
in Buddhist and other spiritual teachings, the principle or practice of freedom from craving, clinging, or identification with transient phenomena.
Nonattachment is a central concept in many Buddhist traditions, encouraging acceptance of impermanence.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 3
a psychological stance of not forming excessive emotional dependence on people or possessions; healthy boundary of autonomy.
Therapy helped him cultivate nonattachment so he could relate to others without losing himself.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/21 19:41