# dismemberment

/dɪsˈmɛmbɝmənt/ (US) · /dɪsmˈɛmbəmənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dismemberment
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

cutting a body into separate pieces in a violent attack, usually after death.

For teachers: violent separation of a body or larger whole into parts by cutting or tearing, especially as post-mortem mutilation or as a method of killing.

## Examples

- The novel describes the dismemberment of an ancient statue.
- The police report described the dismemberment of the victim found near the river.
- Historians still debate whether the dismemberment of the empire after the war was inevitable or the result of hasty decisions by exhausted leaders.

## Usage notes

- Often followed by 'of' to name what is divided, as in 'the dismemberment of the body'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.