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
The moves edge the Education Department closer to meeting President Trumps pledge to dismantle the agency.
—
Alia Wong, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026
Although the humanitarian aid system had been largely dismantled, Congress required the executive branch to continue providing aid.
—Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 17 June 2026
Reagan and Thatcher were dismantling the postwar labour settlement—deregulating industries, busting unions, privatizing state assets, cutting corporate taxes from highs above 50% to the 20s.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 June 2026
Black voter districts are being dismantled.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dismantle
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Alia Wong, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026
Although the humanitarian aid system had been largely dismantled, Congress required the executive branch to continue providing aid.
—Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 17 June 2026
Reagan and Thatcher were dismantling the postwar labour settlement—deregulating industries, busting unions, privatizing state assets, cutting corporate taxes from highs above 50% to the 20s.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 June 2026
Black voter districts are being dismantled.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dismantle
Cite this Entry
“Dismantle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dismantle. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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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