dissect

verb

dis·​sect dī-ˈsekt 

also

di-  ˈdī-ˌsekt 

dissected; dissecting; dissects

transitive verb

1

: to separate into pieces : expose the several parts of (something, such as an animal) for scientific examination

dissect an earthworm

dissecting flowers

2

: to analyze and interpret minutely

dissect a problem

intransitive verb

: to make a dissection

dissector

dī-ˈsek-tər

 

also

di- 

ˈdī-ˌsek-

noun

Synonyms of dissect

• analyze
• examine

Choose the Right Synonym for dissect

analyze, dissect, break down mean to divide a complex whole into its parts or elements.

analyze suggests separating or distinguishing the component parts of something (such as a substance, a process, a situation) so as to discover its true nature or inner relationships.

analyzed the collected data

dissect suggests a searching analysis by laying bare parts or pieces for individual scrutiny.

commentators dissected every word of the speech

break down implies a reducing to simpler parts or divisions.

break down the budget

Examples of dissect in a Sentence

We dissected a frog in science class.

She dissected each point of his argument.

We dissected the poem in class.

The city is dissected by a network of highways.

Recent Examples on the Web

That said, most of the reaction to the new footage released this week has been very positive and the trailer has so far racked up more than 130 million views across all social media platforms, with fans dissecting every tiny element. —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026

Adam and Lily, who aren’t fully out of each other’s lives after the breakup, dissect what went wrong in their relationship with a great deal of empathy and emotional intelligence. —Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026

Audiences want to feel, to commune, to dissect, to yearn. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2026

Television habits have also changed since viewers once dissected tribal council proceedings at the office the next morning. —Pamela Chelin, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin dissectus, past participle of dissecare to cut apart, from dis- + secare to cut — more at saw

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for dissect

• affect
• aspect
• bedecked
• bisect
• collect
• connect
• correct
• deflect
• detect
• direct
• effect
• eject

Kids Definition

dissect

verb

dis·​sect dī-ˈsekt  ˈdi-  ˈdī-ˌsekt 

1

: to cut up (as a plant or animal) into separate parts for examination and study

2

: to make a careful examination of

dissect a problem

Etymology

from Latin dissectus, past participle of dissecare "to cut apart," from dis- "apart" and secare "to cut" — related to insect, section

Medical Definition

dissect

transitive verb

dis·​sect dis-ˈekt; dī-ˈsekt  ˈdī-ˌ 

: to cut so as to separate into pieces or to expose the several parts of (as an animal or a cadaver) for scientific examination

specifically : to separate or follow along natural lines of cleavage (as through connective tissue)

dissect out the regional lymph nodes

a dissecting aneurysm

intransitive verb

: to make a medical dissection

dissector

-ər 

noun