dismantle

Language: en

🇬🇧 /dɪˈsmæntəl/ 🇺🇸 /dɪˈsmæntəl/

📖 Definitions

  1. verb
    To take apart or break down into component parts; to disassemble a structure, machine, or object piece by piece.; To destroy the structure or organization of something; to abolish or put an end to a system, institution, or arrangement.; To strip of covering, equipment, or furnishings; to remove the fittings or accessories from something.; To deprive of defenses or fortifications; to render defenseless.; To systematically weaken or undermine an argument, theory, or position by exposing its flaws.

🔗 Details

Word forms

3rd sing.: dismantles Past: dismantled Past part.: dismantled Pres part.: dismantling

Collocations

dismantle a structuredismantle an organizationdismantle a systemdismantle a bombdismantle a machinedismantle a network

Derivatives

dismantlementdismantling

Synonyms

disassembledemolishtake apartdeconstructstrip downbreak downtear down

Antonyms

assembleconstructbuilderect

Commonly confused

disassemble
EN: 'Disassemble' is more neutral and technical (taking a machine apart); 'dismantle' often implies a more thorough or permanent taking apart, sometimes with a sense of destruction or abolition.
demolish
EN: 'Demolish' emphasizes violent or complete destruction, especially of buildings; 'dismantle' suggests a more methodical, piece-by-piece process.

Spelling tips

EN: Remember to drop the silent 'e' before adding '-ing' or '-ed' (dismantling, dismantled). Do not write 'dismantel' or 'dismantleing'.

💬 Examples

  1. The workers dismantled the old bridge to make way for a new one.

  2. The new government moved quickly to dismantle the previous regime's surveillance apparatus.

  3. They dismantled the stage after the concert was over.

  4. The treaty required the nation to dismantle its nuclear weapons program.

  5. The professor dismantled the student's hypothesis with a series of pointed questions.