disintegrate
verb
dis·in·te·grate
(ˌ)dis-ˈin-tə-ˌgrāt 
disintegrated; disintegrating; disintegrates
1
: to break or decompose into constituent elements, parts, or small particles
water disintegrates the limestone
2
: to destroy the unity or integrity (see integrity sense 3) of
The lies disintegrated their marriage.
1
: to break or separate into constituent elements or parts
The iron hinges were disintegrating into dust.
2
: to lose unity or integrity by or as if by breaking into parts
The relationship started to disintegrate.
3
: to undergo a change in composition (see composition sense 2)
an atomic nucleus that disintegrates because of radioactivity
Examples of disintegrate in a Sentence
The paper will disintegrate if it gets wet.
The laser can disintegrate most kinds of rock.
Recent Examples on the Web
Newton was undeniably the face of Charlotte sports from the day he was drafted in 2011 until the year his career began to disintegrate due to injuries, in 2019.
—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
26 June 2026
Ebenezer Watson followed closely the disintegrating situation with Britain in 1775.
—
Dr. Matthew Warshauer,
Hartford Courant,
26 June 2026
In the fifth century CE, the western half of the Roman Empire disintegrated into a patchwork of new kingdoms and new rulers.
—
Literary Hub,
25 June 2026
So far, 10 defendants in three separate cases have seen pending criminal charges disintegrate due to the scandal.
—
Jason Meisner,
Chicago Tribune,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for disintegrate
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Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
26 June 2026
Ebenezer Watson followed closely the disintegrating situation with Britain in 1775.
—
Dr. Matthew Warshauer,
Hartford Courant,
26 June 2026
In the fifth century CE, the western half of the Roman Empire disintegrated into a patchwork of new kingdoms and new rulers.
—
Literary Hub,
25 June 2026
So far, 10 defendants in three separate cases have seen pending criminal charges disintegrate due to the scandal.
—
Jason Meisner,
Chicago Tribune,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for disintegrate
Cite this Entry
“Disintegrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disintegrate. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
disintegrate
verb
dis·in·te·grate
(ˈ)dis-ˈint-ə-ˌgrāt
1
: to break or decompose into the elements, parts, or small particles making up something
2
: to go through a change in composition
an atomic nucleus that disintegrates because of radioactivity
Medical Definition
disintegrate
verb
dis·in·te·grate
(ˈ)dis-ˈint-ə-ˌgrāt
disintegrated; disintegrating
: to break or decompose into constituent elements, parts, or small particles
1
: to break or separate into constituent elements or parts
2
: to undergo a change in composition
an atomic nucleus that disintegrates because of radioactivity
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