Attachment refers to the selective bonds that develop between infants and their parents and their caregivers ; also, the process whereby one individual seeks nearness to another individual.
It was theorized to be related to later development. It is analogous to the process of imprinting, which has been observed in many animals.
Other definition:
Attachment refers to the process of establishing and maintaining an emotional bond with parents or other significant caregivers. This process is ongoing, typically beginning between 6 and 12 months of age, and provides infants with a secure, consistent base from which to explore and learn about their worlds.
It is a strong emotional bond or an emotional relationship that forms between an infant and a caregiver in the second half of the child's first year
Likewise, it refers to the bond between a mother and child; also, the process whereby one individual seeks nearness to another individual.
Other /More definition:
Attachment refers to a close, reciprocal, emotional relationship between two (2) persons, characterized by mutual affection and a desire to maintain proximity. Attachment differs from bonding in that Attachment occurs between an older infant, who is capable of forming an emotional relationship, and another person; bonding is a one-way relationship that the parent feels toward the child.
Attachment is an affectional bond between individuals characterized by a seeking of closeness or contact and a show of distress upon separation.
Moreover, Attachment is the process of establishing and maintaining an emotional bond with parents or other significant caregivers. This process is ongoing, typically beginning between 6 and 12 months of age, and provides infants with a secure, consistent base from which to explore and learn about their worlds.
Other /More definition:
Attachment is the tendency to remain close to a familiar individual who is ready and willing to give care, comfort, and aid in time of need. It also refers to an enduring, strong and long-lasting socio-emotional relationship or ties between infants and their caregivers; an affectional tie that one person forms to another person binding them together in space and enduring over time.