Word
dismantle
Phoneticsdis·man·tle, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪsˈmænəɫ/
UK/dɪsmˈɑːntəl/
Definitions
01to take apart a machine
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to take a machine or structure apart into separate pieces.
v. to take apart a machine, structure, or object into its constituent components.
“The mechanic had to dismantle the entire engine to find the small leak.”
“Technicians began to dismantle the aging satellite dish, carefully labeling each component for transport to the recycling facility.”
Synonyms
02to end a system or organization
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to gradually get rid of a system, law, or organization.
v. to systematically end the operation of an organization, policy, or social system.
“The government plans to dismantle the old welfare system and replace it with a new one.”
“The new CEO was hired specifically to dismantle the company's unprofitable overseas divisions and refocus on domestic growth.”
03to disprove an argument
C1 · Advanced Academic
v. to show that an argument or idea is wrong by looking at each part of it.
v. to systematically disprove or invalidate a discourse, claim, or complex argument.
“The lawyer managed to dismantle the witness's story during the trial.”
“In her latest essay, the philosopher seeks to dismantle the prevailing theories regarding cognitive development in early childhood.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. Often used metaphorically for systems, arguments, or organisations.
Real-World Examples
“In August, the US announced steps to dismantle a web of currency exchange houses and shell companies that it said helped Iran secretly move hundreds of millions of dollars through the international financial system.” “On Thursday, the Israeli military said its troops dismantled “two illegal outposts” in Qusra and a nearby village, and detained one Israeli.” Etymology
From Middle French desmanteler, itself from des- (“dis-”), mantel (“coat”) + -er (verbal suffix). Compare typologically uncloak, reveal, unmask.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/dismantle