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
Synonyms
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 legal challenge comes as the state begins to dismantle its death rows for men at San Quentin State Prison and for women at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla.
—
Lindsey Holden, Sacramento Bee, 9 Apr. 2024
Newsom has since worked to dismantle death row at San Quentin State Prison, though his moves do not provide for the release of any prisoners or alter their current conviction or sentence.
—Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2024
In calling attention to the destructive impact of prejudice on the present moment, Angelou challenges us to confront our biases, dismantle oppressive systems, and strive for a world where all are treated with dignity and respect.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 4 Apr. 2024
For more than a dozen years, Haiti’s leaders have dismantled democratic institutions and relied on corruption and gangs to maintain their control.
—Pierre Esperance, Foreign Affairs, 2 Apr. 2024
Demolition crews cutting into first pieces of Baltimore bridge
Crews will continue dismantling the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Monday as an enormous container ship remains trapped underneath the rubble.
—USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2024
His killing in the seaside resort town of Villajoyosa last month has raised fears that Russia’s European spy networks continue to operate and are targeting enemies of the Kremlin, despite concerted efforts to dismantle them after Mr. Putin invaded Ukraine in 2022.
—José Bautista, New York Times, 31 Mar. 2024
Since 2021, 21 states have introduced proposals that dismantle DEI programs, and nine of those states passed those laws.
—Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 29 Mar. 2024
Just Blew One Up In Eastern Ukraine Two major international economic organizations, the OECD and the World Bank, have encouraged governments to avoid and dismantle them.
—Alden Abbott, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
Lindsey Holden, Sacramento Bee, 9 Apr. 2024
Newsom has since worked to dismantle death row at San Quentin State Prison, though his moves do not provide for the release of any prisoners or alter their current conviction or sentence.
—Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2024
In calling attention to the destructive impact of prejudice on the present moment, Angelou challenges us to confront our biases, dismantle oppressive systems, and strive for a world where all are treated with dignity and respect.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 4 Apr. 2024
For more than a dozen years, Haiti’s leaders have dismantled democratic institutions and relied on corruption and gangs to maintain their control.
—Pierre Esperance, Foreign Affairs, 2 Apr. 2024
Demolition crews cutting into first pieces of Baltimore bridge
Crews will continue dismantling the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Monday as an enormous container ship remains trapped underneath the rubble.
—USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2024
His killing in the seaside resort town of Villajoyosa last month has raised fears that Russia’s European spy networks continue to operate and are targeting enemies of the Kremlin, despite concerted efforts to dismantle them after Mr. Putin invaded Ukraine in 2022.
—José Bautista, New York Times, 31 Mar. 2024
Since 2021, 21 states have introduced proposals that dismantle DEI programs, and nine of those states passed those laws.
—Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 29 Mar. 2024
Just Blew One Up In Eastern Ukraine Two major international economic organizations, the OECD and the World Bank, have encouraged governments to avoid and dismantle them.
—Alden Abbott, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dismantle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near dismantle
Cite this Entry
“Dismantle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dismantle. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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
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