noun / verb
detail
Assignment to a particular duty.
The sergeant assigns two soldiers to guard detail each morning.
Etymology
French dé- and tailler express cutting into parts. To detail personnel singles them out from the larger body and assigns those selected people to a particular duty.
More examples
- Her new detail involves checking supplies at the depot.
- The captain details two officers to escort the visitors.
- Soldiers rotate through kitchen and guard details each week.
Forms
detail · details · detailed · detailing
Similar words
- assignment
- Covers any allocated task, not specifically a designated service duty.
- duty
- Names an obligation or responsibility, not necessarily a specific assignment.