Dismantle Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of DISMANTLE

[+ object]

1

:

to take (something, such as a machine or structure) apart so that it is in separate pieces

• The mechanic dismantled the engine to repair it.
• When will they dismantle the old bridge?
• a dismantled power plant

2

:

to destroy (something) in an orderly way

:

to gradually cause (something) to come to an end

• The after-school program was dismantled due to lack of funding.
• He accuses them of trying to dismantle the country's legal system.

— dismantlement

/dɪsˈmæntl̟mənt/

noun

[noncount]

• the dismantlement of the power plant

— dismantling

noun

[noncount]

• the dismantling of old factories
• the dismantling of government programs