dismember

verb

dis·​mem·​ber (ˌ)dis-ˈmem-bər 

dismembered; dismembering (ˌ)dis-ˈmem-b(ə-)riŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to cut off or disjoin the limbs, members, or parts of

2

: to break up or tear into pieces

dismemberment

(ˌ)dis-ˈmem-bər-mənt 

noun

Synonyms

• break
• break up
• bust
• disintegrate
• disrupt
• fracture
• fragment
• rive

Examples of dismember in a Sentence

The victims' bodies had been dismembered and buried in the basement.

quickly dismembered the old toolshed and hauled it off to the dump

Recent Examples on the Web

Tylee had been dismembered and burned; J.J. was asphyxiated and wrapped in plastic and bound by duct tape. —Christine Pelisek, Peoplemag, 23 May 2024

Two of the other victims, Jessica Taylor and Valerie Mack, were both dismembered and concealed in separate locations. —Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 22 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dismembren, from Anglo-French desmembrer, from des- dis- + membre member

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

dismember

verb

dis·​mem·​ber (ˈ)dis-ˈmem-bər 

dismembered; dismembering -b(ə-)riŋ 

1

: to cut off or separate the limbs or parts of

2

: to break up or tear into pieces

dismemberment

-bər-mənt 

noun

Medical Definition

dismember

transitive verb

dis·​mem·​ber (ˈ)dis-ˈmem-bər 

dismembered; dismembering -b(ə-)riŋ 

: to cut off or disjoin the limbs, members, or parts of

dismemberment

-bər-mənt 

noun