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
After dismantling the lowly Tennessee Titans in Week 3, the Colts will have a tougher matchup in Week 4 on the road against the Los Angeles Rams, who had the defending champs on the ropes last week before Philly staged a late comeback.
—
James Boyd, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
Modern prep, by contrast, dismantles those codes, treating familiar motifs not as restrictions but as foundations to build upon.
—Minty Mellon, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
The New York Declaration outlines a comprehensive framework for ending Israel’s military operations in Gaza, returning the remaining hostages, dismantling Hamas, and rebuilding the strip and backs these steps with security guarantees and initiatives to boost regional integration.
—Shira Efron, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2025
Next up for Pittsburgh will be a tough Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, who dismantled the Cincinnati Bengals this week.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dismantle
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James Boyd, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
Modern prep, by contrast, dismantles those codes, treating familiar motifs not as restrictions but as foundations to build upon.
—Minty Mellon, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
The New York Declaration outlines a comprehensive framework for ending Israel’s military operations in Gaza, returning the remaining hostages, dismantling Hamas, and rebuilding the strip and backs these steps with security guarantees and initiatives to boost regional integration.
—Shira Efron, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2025
Next up for Pittsburgh will be a tough Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, who dismantled the Cincinnati Bengals this week.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 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 30 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
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