Dismantle

/dɪsˈmæntəl/

Meaning & Definition

verb
To take apart or break down into its components.
The engineers worked to dismantle the old bridge for safety reasons.
To eliminate a structure, system, or organization step by step.
The government plans to dismantle the outdated regulations that hinder progress.
To remove the parts or components from a machine or structure.
They needed to dismantle the engine to fix the problem.
To bring to an end or to undermine the effectiveness of something.
The activist group aimed to dismantle the practices that caused environmental damage.
To disassemble or take apart, especially in an organized manner.
Before moving, we decided to dismantle the furniture to make packing easier.

Etymology

From dis- (removal) + mantle (cover or clothing).

Common Phrases and Expressions

dismantle a case
To break down the arguments and evidence of a case to analyze it.
dismantle an argument
To reduce the argument to its individual components to challenge its validity.
dismantle prejudice
To systematically break down biases and stereotypes.

Related Words

assemble
To put together or construct something.
construct
To build or form by putting together parts.
deconstruct
To break down something into its constituent parts.

Slang Meanings

To completely ruin or destroy something.
That party dismantled my chance of getting promoted at work.
To analyze and criticize something thoroughly.
After watching the debate, he dismantled the opponent's points.