dismantle

verb

dis·​man·​tle (ˌ)dis-ˈman-tᵊl How to pronounce dismantle (audio)
dismantled; dismantling (ˌ)dis-ˈmant-liŋ How to pronounce dismantle (audio)
-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 noun

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
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.
How to Watch Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots: Date: Sunday, January 5, 2025 Time: 1:00 PM ET Channel: CBS Stream: Fubo The Bills are flying high after dismantling the Jets 40-14 last Sunday and extending their win streak to three games. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025 After the Rockets big man hurt them during the first quarter, the Celtics used the bigger lineups to shut him down the rest of the way — and, with that, dismantle the rest of the Houston offense. Jay King, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025 Scott Walker and Republicans dismantled workers’ rights and voting rights, rigging Wisconsin to keep the GOP in power through the courts and the legislature. Samantha-Jo Roth, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 2 Jan. 2025 The decision dismantles one of Biden’s major technology initiatives. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for dismantle 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dismantle was in 1579

Dictionary Entries Near dismantle

Cite this Entry

“Dismantle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dismantle. Accessed 16 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

dismantle

verb
dis·​man·​tle (ˈ)dis-ˈmant-ᵊl How to pronounce dismantle (audio)
dismantled; dismantling -ˈmant-liŋ How to pronounce dismantle (audio)
-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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dismantle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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