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
Sleep deprivation strips away that capacity, often resulting in erratic outbursts or defensive behaviors that dismantle trust instantly.
—
Julie Kratz,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2026
Although the estate embraces more than 1,000 acres of roiling hills and valleys, nothing remains of Ashcombe House itself, a stately mansion built in 1686 but dismantled for its brick and stone two centuries later.
—
Hamish Bowles,
Vogue,
5 July 2026
That could mean dismantling the 10,500-foot runway the county installed there in the 1960s, before environmental groups — led by Marjory Stoneman Douglas — rose up to block what was supposed to be the country’s largest airport.
—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
3 July 2026
Some agencies are in the process of being dismantled; others were shut down altogether.
—
Danya Gainor,
CNN Money,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for dismantle
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Julie Kratz,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2026
Although the estate embraces more than 1,000 acres of roiling hills and valleys, nothing remains of Ashcombe House itself, a stately mansion built in 1686 but dismantled for its brick and stone two centuries later.
—
Hamish Bowles,
Vogue,
5 July 2026
That could mean dismantling the 10,500-foot runway the county installed there in the 1960s, before environmental groups — led by Marjory Stoneman Douglas — rose up to block what was supposed to be the country’s largest airport.
—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
3 July 2026
Some agencies are in the process of being dismantled; others were shut down altogether.
—
Danya Gainor,
CNN Money,
3 July 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 7 Jul. 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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