dismantle

verb

dis·​man·​tle (ˌ)dis-ˈman-tᵊl How to pronounce dismantle (audio)
dismantled; dismantling (ˌ)dis-ˈmant-liŋ How to pronounce dismantle (audio)
-ˈman-tᵊl-

transitive verb

1
: to disconnect the pieces of
will have to dismantle the engine
also : to destroy the integrity or functioning of
The program was later dismantled due to a lack of funding.
2
: to strip of dress or covering : divest
3
: to strip of furniture and equipment
dismantled the ship before scrapping it
dismantlement noun

Examples of dismantle in a Sentence

The mechanic dismantled the engine to repair it. When will they dismantle the old bridge? The after-school program was dismantled due to lack of funding. He accuses them of trying to dismantle the country's legal system.
Recent Examples on the Web Buttigieg denies Biden dismantled Trump border policies in clash with CNBC host. Fox News, 6 Mar. 2024 The courts are dismantling the NCAA’s policies governing the transfer portal and name, image and likeness. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024 After Pakistan’s shocking election result, all eyes are on the generals Khan’s party was almost entirely dismantled after his supporters attacked military installations in the wake of his arrest on corruption charges in May. Rick Noack, Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2024 As South Africa marks three decades since its first democratic elections, a historic moment that dismantled the apartheid system and ushered in Black-majority rule, the country is at a crossroads. Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 2 Mar. 2024 But after the 2022 death, Forest Service employees dismantled the tubs. Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2024 Wednesday’s strike disrupted public transport in the capital, Athens, and left ferries tied up in ports as unions pressed demands to further dismantle wage controls imposed during Greece's near decade-long financial crisis. Derek Gatopoulos and Costas Kantouris, Quartz, 28 Feb. 2024 Despite the off-field issues at Castel Volturno, the Napoli Scudetto bus has suffered from dirty fuel lines and a dodgy gearbox, and if Europe’s big spenders have their way over the summer, the engine could be dismantled and the chassis left on blocks too. David Ferrini, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 But scuttling the deal isn’t a given – and even if it’s ultimately dismantled, keeping the supermarket chains separate may not save your local grocery store. Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dismantle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French desmanteler, from des- dis- + mantel mantle

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dismantle was in 1579

Dictionary Entries Near dismantle

Cite this Entry

“Dismantle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dismantle. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dismantle

verb
dis·​man·​tle (ˈ)dis-ˈmant-ᵊl How to pronounce dismantle (audio)
dismantled; dismantling -ˈmant-liŋ How to pronounce dismantle (audio)
-ᵊl-iŋ
1
: to take to pieces : take apart
dismantled the engine to repair it
2
: to strip of furniture and equipment
dismantle an office
dismantlement noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dismantle

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