dismantle
verb
dis·man·tle
(ˌ)dis-ˈman-tᵊl 
dismantled; dismantling
(ˌ)dis-ˈmant-liŋ
-ˈman-tᵊl-
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
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
The Gaza City push is a direct continuation of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, a weekslong campaign in southern and central Gaza that Israel said dismantled Hamas positions and cleared the way for troops to advance north.
—
Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 16 Sep. 2025
This loophole fueled a $28 billion gray market, which states are now slowly dismantling—though some have already moved to regulate the industry.
—Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
On Saturday, the Hurricanes dismantled South Florida, 49-12, to improve to 3-0.
—Dane Brugler, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Now, because the partisan math has shifted, Democrats are trying to dismantle the very reform that voters put in place.
—Bernadette Suarez, Oc Register, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dismantle
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 16 Sep. 2025
This loophole fueled a $28 billion gray market, which states are now slowly dismantling—though some have already moved to regulate the industry.
—Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
On Saturday, the Hurricanes dismantled South Florida, 49-12, to improve to 3-0.
—Dane Brugler, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Now, because the partisan math has shifted, Democrats are trying to dismantle the very reform that voters put in place.
—Bernadette Suarez, Oc Register, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dismantle
Cite this Entry
“Dismantle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dismantle. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dismantle
verb
dis·man·tle
(ˈ)dis-ˈmant-ᵊl
dismantled; dismantling
-ˈmant-liŋ
-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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share