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
Synonyms
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
His ability to spin, turn and, above all, run relentlessly towards goal with and without the ball helped utterly dismantle Brighton’s high defensive line inside 45 minutes at Stamford Bridge in September.
—
Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 9 Feb. 2025
But this is one where the process and the outcome meet because the United States has just dismantled in effect the largest foreign assistance organization in the world.
—ABC News, 9 Feb. 2025
Dems say Vought doesn't have authority to take down agency
Democrats argued that Vought doesn't have the authority to dismantle the agency that was created by Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama.
—Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 9 Feb. 2025
The White House has also confirmed plans to shrink, and potentially dismantle the agency.
—Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 8 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for dismantle 
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Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 9 Feb. 2025
But this is one where the process and the outcome meet because the United States has just dismantled in effect the largest foreign assistance organization in the world.
—ABC News, 9 Feb. 2025
Dems say Vought doesn't have authority to take down agency
Democrats argued that Vought doesn't have the authority to dismantle the agency that was created by Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama.
—Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 9 Feb. 2025
The White House has also confirmed plans to shrink, and potentially dismantle the agency.
—Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 8 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for dismantle
Dictionary Entries Near dismantle
Cite this Entry
“Dismantle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dismantle. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
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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