dismantle

1 of 2

verb

dis·​man·​tle (ˌ)dis-ˈman-tᵊl 

dismantled; dismantling (ˌ)dis-ˈmant-liŋ 

-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

(ˌ)dis-ˈman-tᵊl-mənt 

noun

dismantlement

2 of 2

noun

dis·​man·​tle·​ment

plural -s

: the act of dismantling or the state of being dismantled

especially : deprivation of defenses

Synonyms of dismantle

Verb

• disassemble
• detach
• disconnect
• dismember
• strike
• dismount
• divide

Examples of dismantle in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

Engineers at Idaho National Laboratory have brought a custom dismantling rig online to peel the metal casings off radioactive fuel rods. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2026

Squeezing the wildly complicated life of a truly frightening figure who wanted to dismantle industrial society into a streaming-ready origin story is ironic enough. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2026

Inside look The new coaster expands on the footprint of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, which closed in August 2025 and was dismantled soon thereafter. — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026

The council's leadership was dismantled in January when the UAE quit Yemen. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle French desmanteler, from des- dis- + mantel mantle

First Known Use

Verb

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dismantle

• mantel
• santal

Kids 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

dismantlement

-ˈmant-ᵊl-mənt 

noun