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dismantle
/dɪsˈmæntl/
take apart or disassemble
The engineers will dismantle the old machinery before installing the new equipment.
This shows the process of carefully taking apart machinery for replacement.
general
To take something apart, especially in a careful or systematic way.
The workers dismantled the stage after the concert.
They took apart the stage structure piece by piece.
He dismantled the old computer to salvage parts.
He carefully disassembled the computer to reuse its components.
Often used for mechanical or structural objects.
Collocations
dismantle a systemto take apart a system or structuredismantle an argumentto break down or refute an argument
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Literal vs. Figurative Use
Dismantle can refer to physical disassembly or metaphorical breakdown of ideas or systems.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
Ensure the context clarifies whether the usage is literal or metaphorical.
Word Origin
From Middle French 'dismanteler', from 'des-' (apart) + 'mantel' (mantle or covering).
Usage Notes
Can be used literally for physical objects or metaphorically for systems or arguments.
Word Breakdown
dis-
apart
prefixmantle
covering or structure
rootEnglish Dictionary