disintegrate

verb

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dis·in·te·grate | \ (ˌ)dis-ˈin-tə-ˌgrāt

disintegrated; disintegrating; disintegrates

Definition of disintegrate

transitive verb

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.

intransitive verb

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

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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 And the absence of one could cause the state of Lebanon, which celebrated its centennial last month, to disintegrate. — Tamara Qiblawi, CNN, "The approach of the US elections helps push Lebanon and Iraq to the brink," 4 Oct. 2020 Hawley and other Republicans believe the GOP unity on confirming a nominee could disintegrate if Republicans lose on Nov. 3. — Susan Ferrechio, Washington Examiner, "Republicans hope to confirm SCOTUS nominee before Nov. 3," 22 Sep. 2020 The Lions scored touchdowns on their first two series to go ahead 14-3 against the Green Bay Packers but allowed that advantage to disintegrate by halftime. — Steve Megargee, Star Tribune, "Lions' collapse starts well before fourth quarter this time," 20 Sep. 2020 Right in front of City Hall, a wax sculpture of a young girl and her grandfather will disintegrate under the unforgiving rays of Florida’s sun — symbolizing the effects of ever-warmer temperatures in the Sunshine State. — Matthew J. Palm, orlandosentinel.com, "Orlando’s melting statue shines light on Florida’s rising heat," 18 Sep. 2020 In extreme situations, this process can cause entire ice shelves to disintegrate. — Chelsea Harvey, Scientific American, "Antarctica’s Ice Shelves May Be at Growing Risk of Collapse," 27 Aug. 2020 Why should anyone have faith that Biden’s resolve to keep his own modest promises won’t disintegrate amid a flurry of advertisements designed to dissuade him? — Libby Watson, The New Republic, "Health Care Reform Is Being Slashed Into Oblivion," 21 Aug. 2020 But the alcohol has to be potent enough to disintegrate the lipid layer and kill the virus. — Daisy Hernandez, Popular Mechanics, "What to Know Before Making Your Own DIY Sanitizer," 13 Aug. 2020 The Earth passes through these debris trails every year, allowing bits to collide with the atmosphere and disintegrate to create fiery and colorful streaks in the sky. — Leada Gore | Lgore@al.com, al, "Perseid meteor shower peaks overnight: Times, how to see shooting stars," 11 Aug. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'disintegrate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.