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
Synonyms
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
However, Lehr said, if 5% of residents come forward and vote against the termination, then the deal can disintegrate.
—
Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025
This finding offers important new insight into the evolutionary underpinnings of outer ears, which are typically difficult to study, because cartilage disintegrates over time and does not fossilize like bone.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Jan. 2025
Over boiling can lead to the Swedish dishcloth disintegrating faster.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2025
The relationship between the United States and Panama slowly disintegrated because of disagreements — that sometimes erupted in violence — about control of the canal and inequality in the treatment of Panamanians and other nationalities compared with American workers.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for disintegrate 
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Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025
This finding offers important new insight into the evolutionary underpinnings of outer ears, which are typically difficult to study, because cartilage disintegrates over time and does not fossilize like bone.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Jan. 2025
Over boiling can lead to the Swedish dishcloth disintegrating faster.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2025
The relationship between the United States and Panama slowly disintegrated because of disagreements — that sometimes erupted in violence — about control of the canal and inequality in the treatment of Panamanians and other nationalities compared with American workers.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for disintegrate
Dictionary Entries Near disintegrate
Cite this Entry
“Disintegrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disintegrate. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
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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