dismantle

1 of 2

verb

dis·​man·​tle (ˌ)dis-ˈman-tᵊl 

dismantled; dismantling (ˌ)dis-ˈmant-liŋ 

-ˈman-tᵊl-

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

dismantlement

(ˌ)dis-ˈman-tᵊl-mənt 

noun

dismantlement

2 of 2

noun

dis·​man·​tle·​ment

plural -s

: the act of dismantling or the state of being dismantled

especially : deprivation of defenses

Synonyms of dismantle

Verb

• disassemble
• detach
• disconnect
• dismember
• strike
• dismount
• divide

Examples of dismantle in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

Then that confidence is dismantled piece by piece when the body that got him onto the field begins to fail him. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026

The latest takedown is part of Operation Blackout, the FBI's international campaign to dismantle scam compounds that prey on Americans, particularly seniors. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

On Tuesday, forensic teams entered the home's basement and began dismantling a laboratory. — Frederick Sutton Sinclair, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

Politicians have been dismantling the government agencies designed to track foreign influence, and social media companies are raising barriers to research on their platforms, leaving the country unprepared. — RenÉe Diresta, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle French desmanteler, from des- dis- + mantel mantle

First Known Use

Verb

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dismantle

• mantel
• santal

Kids 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

dismantlement

-ˈmant-ᵊl-mənt 

noun