WordGarden.ioreattach
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /rˌiːətˈætʃ/
US
- /ˈriəˈtætʃ/
Meanings
Verb
to fasten or connect something back to its former place again
to surgically reconnect a detached body part, tissue, or organ
to add a file, image, or document back to an email, message, or form
Beyond the definition
Imagine building with LEGO bricks and accidentally knocking off a piece. To reattach it means to put it back on, to reconnect something that was once joined but became separated. It's more than just touching—it implies fixing or restoring a physical connection. You might reattach a button that fell off your coat, or in a medical emergency, doctors might attempt to reattach a severed limb. The word suggests bringing things back together.
Sometimes, reattach can also be used in a wider sense. A person may talk about reattaching a feeling of trust or reattaching a sense of connection after a time of distance. That use is less common than the physical one, but the idea is similar: something that was once joined has to be brought together again.
To reattach means to fasten, connect, or restore something that has become separated or detached. It implies that a previous connection existed and is now being renewed. While the word "attach" simply means to join things together, "reattach" specifically highlights the act of re-establishing that original bond.
The context is most often physical, involving repairs or restoration. You might reattach a handle to a broken suitcase before a trip, carefully gluing it back into place, or a mechanic might reattach a car part after completing a repair. A practical example would be: "The firefighters managed to reattach the hose to the hydrant just in time to extinguish the blaze."
However, reattach is not always limited to tangible objects. It can sometimes describe restoring a connection in a broader sense, though this is less common than the physical meaning. For example, someone might speak of reattaching ties with family or reattaching a sense of closeness after a painful separation. These uses still carry the same core idea: a connection existed before, was broken or lost, and is now being restored.
The key is the sense of restoration. It is about returning something to its joined state or reconnecting what was once broken. Whether it involves a physical object, an emotional bond, or a forgotten hobby, to reattach means to rebuild and restore a vital connection.
Examples
- 1
Everyday repair
The strap came loose, so I reattached it before I left.
- 2
Shipping label
Can you reattach the label to the box? It fell off during shipping.
- 3
Vehicle repair
The mechanic reattached the hose to the engine and checked for leaks.
- 4
Digital messages
I accidentally removed the photo from the email, so I had to reattach it.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Medical surgery
Surgeons were able to reattach two of his fingers after the accident.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- reattach