What does "disable" mean?

1. (to deactivate a function) to turn off a feature or part of a machine so it stops working. 2. (to cause an injury) to cause a serious injury that stops someone from using part of their body or mind.

How do you use "disable"?

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, such as a setting or a device. Often used in the passive voice to describe the state of a person after an accident.

disable

US //dɪˈseɪbəɫ// UK //dˌɪsˈeɪbəl// dis·able

1 to deactivate a function (v.)
B1 Intermediate Computing

to turn off a feature or part of a machine so it stops working.

to deactivate or make inoperational a specific function of an electronic or mechanical device.

Example

You should disable your pop-up blocker to see the login window.

Example

The security protocol allows the administrator to disable remote access for any user who fails to update their password within the required timeframe.

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, such as a setting or a device.
- deactivate
- turn off
- disarm
- enable
- activate
2 to cause an injury (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to cause a serious injury that stops someone from using part of their body or mind.

to impair the physical or mental abilities of a person, often through permanent injury or illness.

Example

The accident disabled him for several months while his leg healed.

Example

The rare neurological condition gradually disabled the patient, eventually requiring the use of specialized mobility equipment for daily tasks.

Usage

Often used in the passive voice to describe the state of a person after an accident.
- incapacitate
- cripple
- impair
- heal
- rehabilitate

Origin

From dis- + able.

Word family

Verbdisable
Noundisability