disintegrate
verb
dis·in·te·grate
(ˌ)dis-ˈin-tə-ˌgrāt 
disintegrated; disintegrating; disintegrates
1
: to break or decompose into constituent elements, parts, or small particles
water disintegrates the limestone
2
: to destroy the unity or integrity (see integrity sense 3) of
The lies disintegrated their marriage.
1
: to break or separate into constituent elements or parts
The iron hinges were disintegrating into dust.
2
: to lose unity or integrity by or as if by breaking into parts
The relationship started to disintegrate.
3
: to undergo a change in composition (see composition sense 2)
an atomic nucleus that disintegrates because of radioactivity
Examples of disintegrate in a Sentence
The paper will disintegrate if it gets wet.
The laser can disintegrate most kinds of rock.
Recent Examples on the Web
Indeed, with Iran’s refusal to end hostilities on unfavorable terms and willingness to fight to the end, alongside Israel’s belligerence and desire to disintegrate the Iranian state, risks of further escalation remain.
—
Alexander Langlois, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2026
Late Saturday, rescue crews were trying to determine whether the ValuJet aircraft disintegrated on impact or partially lodged itself in the soft, marshy terrain of the Everglades.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026
Business Insider reported that experts believe the ship could disintegrate over the next few decades.
—Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
The company has designed each satellite to maneuver in space and to fully disintegrate upon reentry into the atmosphere.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disintegrate
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Alexander Langlois, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2026
Late Saturday, rescue crews were trying to determine whether the ValuJet aircraft disintegrated on impact or partially lodged itself in the soft, marshy terrain of the Everglades.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026
Business Insider reported that experts believe the ship could disintegrate over the next few decades.
—Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
The company has designed each satellite to maneuver in space and to fully disintegrate upon reentry into the atmosphere.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disintegrate
Cite this Entry
“Disintegrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disintegrate. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
disintegrate
verb
dis·in·te·grate
(ˈ)dis-ˈint-ə-ˌgrāt
1
: to break or decompose into the elements, parts, or small particles making up something
2
: to go through a change in composition
an atomic nucleus that disintegrates because of radioactivity
Medical Definition
disintegrate
verb
dis·in·te·grate
(ˈ)dis-ˈint-ə-ˌgrāt
disintegrated; disintegrating
: to break or decompose into constituent elements, parts, or small particles
1
: to break or separate into constituent elements or parts
2
: to undergo a change in composition
an atomic nucleus that disintegrates because of radioactivity
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