# attach

Pronunciation: US say "uh-TACH" /əˈtæt͡ʃ/; UK

## Verb

1. To fasten or join one thing to another, either physically or in a figurative sense.
   - Simple: To join or fix one thing to another.
   - _Workers attach safety lines to the scaffold each morning._
   - _The new clause attaches strict conditions to the agreement._
2. To include a file or document together with an email or other electronic message.
   - Simple: To send a file or photo along with an email or message.
   - _Please attach your resume to the application email._
   - _He accidentally attached three photos instead of one._
3. To stick fast or remain joined to a surface.
   - Simple: To stick or stay joined to a surface or object.
   - _The label attaches easily to smooth surfaces._
   - _Limpets attach to rocks along the shoreline._
4. To connect something figuratively to another; to ascribe or attribute it, used with 'to'.
   - Simple: To link an idea, blame, or value to someone or something.
   - _Critics attach too much weight to early reviews._
   - _He attaches deep sentimental value to the old watch._
5. To win someone's affection or loyalty; to bind a person to another by love, self-interest, or moral influence.
   - Simple: To make someone feel close to a person or group, through love or because it helps them.
   - _A leader's vision can attach people to a common cause._
   - _Her generosity attached many loyal friends to her over the years._
6. To come into legal effect in connection with something; to vest.
   - Simple: To begin to apply as a legal rule, right, or duty.
   - _Criminal liability attaches once intent is proven._
   - _Certain duties attach to the office of trustee._

## Verb

7. To arrest or seize a person by legal authority. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: To arrest or take hold of a person using legal power.
   - _The bailiff was sent to attach the merchant for unpaid debts._
   - _Officers attached the accused before he could flee the city._
8. To take, seize, or lay hold of something or someone. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: To grab, seize, or take hold of something or someone.

## Origin

This comes from Middle English attachen, from Old French atachier, a variant of estachier ("bind"), which derives from estache ("stick"), traced back through Frankish to Proto-Germanic *stakô ("pole, bar, stick, stake"). It is a doublet of "attack".

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/attach (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).