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.
Both systems has been run by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, a city-county joint powers agency in the process of being dismantled. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 The display is scheduled to remain open through Halloween night before it is dismantled. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026 Thirty-five years later, much of what Nicaraguans worked so hard to build has been dismantled. — Lynn Northcutt Vega, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026 The structure could be assembled near where it is needed, expanded as requirements grow, and even dismantled and moved to another location. — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 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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