Meaning & Definition
verb
To take apart or break down into parts or components.
The mechanic will disassemble the engine to find the source of the problem.
To dismantle or take apart a structure or object.
They had to disassemble the furniture to move it out of the cramped apartment.
To separate something into its individual elements.
After the experiment, we need to disassemble the apparatus to clean it properly.
To break into pieces for reassembly or recycling.
It's important to disassemble electronic devices properly before disposing of them.
Etymology
From the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'apart' and 'assemble' meaning 'to put together'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
disassemble for repair:
To take something apart specifically to fix it.
disassemble a device:
To break down or take apart a specific electronic or mechanical device.
disassemble a team:
To break a group into its individual parts or members.
Slang Meanings
To take something apart quickly or without care.
He just disassembled that bike in no time.
To mess with something in a non-serious way.
Stop disassembling that toy, it's not a puzzle!