dismantled; dismantling (ˌ)dis-ˈmant-liŋ How to pronounce dismantle (audio)
-ˈman-tᵊl-
Synonyms of dismantle

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

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.
Texas’ Arch Manning (+900) completed 20 of 27 passes for 305 yards and four touchdowns as Texas dismantled Texas State 59-7. Manny Navarro, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026 For the new project with Elantas, the researchers applied the process to dismantle an entire aerospace-style sandwich composite. New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2026 Within the next month, dozens of Flock cameras and other similar license-plate recognition cameras across South Florida will be dismantled from state roads after a new directive issued by the Florida Department of Transportation. Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026 Built between 1539 and 1540 to defend the coast of England, Sandown was eventually abandoned and dismantled — and Moore found evidence that some of its stone was reused in a Victorian extension at Constable's Gate at Dover Castle. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026 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 7 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

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
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