dismantle

[ dis-man-tl ]

verb (used with object)

, dis·man·tled, dis·man·tling.

1. to deprive or strip of apparatus, furniture, equipment, defenses, etc.:

   to dismantle a ship; to dismantle a fortress.

2. to disassemble or pull down; take apart:

   They dismantled the machine and shipped it in pieces.

3. to divest of dress, covering, etc.:

   The wind dismantled the trees of their leaves.

dismantle

/ dɪsˈmæntəl /

verb

1. to take apart
2. to demolish or raze
3. to strip of covering

Derived Forms

• disˈmantler, noun
• disˈmantlement, noun

Other Words From

• dis·mantle·ment noun
• dis·mantler noun
• undis·mantled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dismantle¹

From the Middle French word desmanteler, dating back to 1570–80. See dis- ¹, mantle

Word History and Origins

Origin of dismantle¹

C17: from Old French desmanteler to remove a cloak from; see mantle

Example Sentences

“I tend to think it’s more important to get an FBI director who will dismantle the deep state than it is for Republicans to lose a vote 49-46 rather than 49-45. But that’s just me.”

From Salon

“We've been through periods of potential uncertainty before and the best course of action is to continue to march on and not to just completely dismantle yourself.”

From Salon

Writing on X, Carr said he was "humbled and honoured" to take the role, and would set about his plan to "dismantle the censorship cartel".

From BBC

Their pledges are all in keeping with Trump’s broader promise to dismantle much of the federal bureaucracy and bring what remains under his personal control.

From Los Angeles Times

The Trump administration will use its Project 2025 to dismantle every step we have taken toward a more just, inclusive society, striking at the very pillars of our constitutional republic.

From Salon

Related Words

• break up
• demolish
• destroy
• disassemble
• raze
• undo
• wreck