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 There should be no need to dismantle the wall, though. Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024 Earlier this month, workers labored for a week to dismantle the gargantuan glass tank as a construction crew prepared to transform the lobby yet again — this time as part of an extensive $100 million renovation, which the waterfront hotel’s management boasts is its most ambitious ever. Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2024 Election Misinformation: Since taking control of X, Elon Musk has dismantled the platform’s system for flagging false election content. Andrew Higgins, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 And without any information or data about the success of those efforts, the whole enterprise has been dismantled. Susan Svrluga The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 3 Mar. 2024 Cindy stands as a beacon of empowerment, tirelessly dismantling barriers and championing women's rights. Kalina Bryant, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 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

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 28 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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