dismantle

/dɪsˈmæntl/

/dɪsˈmæntəl/

Other forms: dismantled; dismantles

To take something apart or down is to dismantle it. If you dismantle a computer to see what it looks like inside, you better know how to put it back together, or you might be looking at the inside of your room for awhile.

Dismantle is a verb used for both physical things and ideas. You can dismantle a campground by taking down the tents and breaking apart the fire logs, or you can dismantle a government by going against its leadership and bringing down its rule. Often when you dismantle something, you take away its ability to work, as with a nuclear warhead, but you can also take apart decorative or non-working things, as when you dismantle a science-fair display or a city made of blocks.

Definitions of dismantle

1. verb

   take off or remove
   synonyms: strip

   type of:

   remove, take, take away, withdraw

   remove something concrete, as by lifting, pushing, or taking off, or remove something abstract
2. verb

   take apart into its constituent pieces
   synonyms: break apart, break up, disassemble, take apart

   type of:

   destroy, destruct

   do away with, cause the destruction or undoing of
3. verb

   tear down so as to make flat with the ground
   synonyms: level, pull down, rase, raze, take down, tear down

   types:

   bulldoze

   flatten with or as if with a bulldozer

   type of:

   destroy, destruct

   do away with, cause the destruction or undoing of