different between detachment vs rearguard

English

Etymology

From French détachement; synchronically analyzable as detach +? -ment.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /d??tæt??m?nt/
• Hyphenation: de?tach?ment

Noun

detachment (countable and uncountable, plural detachments)

1. (uncountable) The action of detaching; separation.
2. (uncountable) The state of being detached or disconnected; insulation.
3. (uncountable) Indifference to the concerns of others; disregard; nonchalance; aloofness.
4. (uncountable) Absence of bias; impartiality; objectivity.
5. (uncountable, military) The separation of a military unit from the main body for a particular purpose or special mission.
6. (countable, military) The unit so dispatched.
7. (countable, military) A permanent unit organized for special duties.
8. (countable) Any smaller portion of a main body separately employed.

Translations

English

Alternative forms

• rear guard, rear-guard

Etymology

rear +? guard. Attested in The Song of Roland circa 1150 (rereguarde). Doublet of retrogarde.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?????????d/

Noun

rearguard (plural rearguards)

1. (military) The rearmost part of a force, especially a detachment of troops that protect the rear of a retreating force.
2. (soccer) The defence, collectively the defenders.

Usage notes

• Usually used attributively.

Antonyms

• vanguard

Coordinate terms

• (rearmost part of a troop): backstop

Translations