Word
disband
Phoneticsdis·band, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪsˈbænd/
UK/dɪsbˈænd/
Definition
v. to officially end a group or organization. You use this when a team, a band, or a government decides to stop working together.
v. to formally dissolve or cease to exist as a group or organization. Often used in the context of military units, political parties, or musical ensembles.
Examples
“The band decided to disband after their final tour.”
“The committee voted to disband the task force because the project was no longer a priority for the board.”
“After decades of internal conflict and shifting political allegiances, the coalition eventually disband, leaving the country to face the transition to a new government without a clear plan.”
Examples
simple
“The band decided to disband after their final tour.”
contextual
“The committee voted to disband the task force because the project was no longer a priority for the board.”
complex
“After decades of internal conflict and shifting political allegiances, the coalition eventually disband, leaving the country to face the transition to a new government without a clear plan.”
Real-World Examples
“Since The White Stripes disbanded in 2011, she has lived as a private citizen in the band’s Michigan home city, eschewing all media appearances and public events.” “Syria’s Democratic Forces, which led the fight against ISIL, have declared they are disbanding.” Etymology
Attested since the 1590s, from Middle French desbander (Modern French débander), from des- (English dis-) + bande (English band), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *bʰendʰ- (“to tie”). By surface analysis, dis- + band.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/disband