dismantle
Dismantle (verb) means to take something apart piece by piece. Example: “It took two engineers all day to dismantle the old machine.”
How to use dismantle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo break something down into its parts, whether that's a machine, a building, or an argument.
Word forms
dismantled past tense, dismantles singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It took two engineers all day to _____ the old machine.
Etymology
From Middle French desmanteler, literally "to strip off a cloak" (des- + mantel, "coat"), later broadened to mean taking anything apart.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for dismantle
See all rhymes for dismantle →Frequently asked questions
What does “dismantle” mean?
The word “dismantle” means to take something apart piece by piece. In plain terms, to break something down into its parts, whether that's a machine, a building, or an argument.
How do you pronounce “dismantle”?
“Dismantle” is pronounced dihs-MANT-uh ([dɪsˈmæ̃nɾɫ̩] in IPA).
How do you use “dismantle” in a sentence?
Here is “dismantle” used in a sentence: “It took two engineers all day to dismantle the old machine.”
What part of speech is “dismantle”?
“Dismantle” is a verb.
Where does the word “dismantle” come from?
The word “dismantle” comes from Middle French. From Middle French desmanteler, literally "to strip off a cloak" (des- + mantel, "coat"), later broadened to mean taking anything apart.
Is “dismantle” a common word?
“Dismantle” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “dismantle” have?
“Dismantle” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to take something apart piece by piece.