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

Related Words

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