disintegrate
v. B2 Upper Intermediate US //dɪˈsɪntəˌɡɹeɪt// UK //dˌɪsˈɪntɪɡɹˌeɪt// dis·in·te·grate
v. to fall apart into many small pieces. You use this when something breaks down completely, like old paper or a group of people.
v. to fall apart or break into fragments; to lose coherence or unity. Often describes physical decay or the breakdown of social structures.
The old bridge began to disintegrate after the heavy storm.
The once-powerful political party began to disintegrate as members argued over the new leader's policies.
The ancient manuscript was so fragile that even the slightest touch would cause it to disintegrate into a cloud of dust.
Recorded since 1785, from dis- + integrate.