disable

[ dis-ey-buhl ]

verb (used with object)

, dis·a·bled, dis·a·bling.

1. to make unable or unfit; weaken or destroy the capability of; incapacitate:

   The detective successfully disabled the bomb.

   Synonyms: paralyze, enfeeble

2. to impair or injure (a person or animal) physically or mentally:

   The accident disabled him for life.

3. to make legally incapable; disqualify:

   Minors are legally disabled from entering into a contract.

4. Digital Technology. to make (a device, system, or feature) unable to function; turn off:

   Some of the car’s advanced safety features can be disabled.

disable

/ dɪsˈeɪbəl /

verb

1. to make ineffective, unfit, or incapable, as by crippling
2. to make or pronounce legally incapable
3. to switch off (an electronic device)

Derived Forms

• disˈablement, noun

Other Words From

• dis·able·ment noun
• dis·abler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disable¹

First recorded in 1475–85; dis- ¹ + able

Example Sentences

“Trump has demeaned and debased just about anybody he could, from immigrants to minorities to women to those who are disabled,” he says.

From BBC

There will also be suspension of disabled parking on Castle Place and of parking on Donegall Place.

From BBC

There is little controversy about the scale of the problem in social care, the system that helps older and disabled people with day-to-day tasks like washing, dressing, getting out of bed, eating and medication.

From BBC

According to the lawsuit, since Buck’s arrest, Brown had continued to be periodically homeless and suffered from disabling medical conditions.

From Los Angeles Times

Others fear another Fukushima-scale disaster, where a tsunami disabled three reactors, causing the release of highly radioactive materials and forcing mass evacuations.

From BBC

Related Words

• exhaust
• immobilize
• knock out
• ruin
• shatter
• undermine
• wreck