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.
Yet, the very tools for tracking inequity inside government are being dismantled. Sheila Callaham, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025 And this matters now more than ever, during a time when universities are dismantling their humanities programs and being pressured into pandering to authoritarian strongmen. Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2025 An aerial ladder extended overhead with ropes hanging down; additional images showed crews dismantling part of the slide to reach him. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 19 Aug. 2025 That would require dismantling the existing plots, pouring footings and rebuilding the beds with a few more rows of concrete blocks. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Aug. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dismantle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dismantle. Accessed 25 Aug. 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

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