disable him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disable him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate the action of rendering someone unable to function or perform a task, often in a technical or gaming context. Example: "In the game, you can disable him by using a special ability that temporarily removes his powers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

His principal assignment: to bloody Mueller, and, if possible, disable him.

The New Yorker

"Losing his clearance will disable him from continuing to represent his current or future detainee clients," Mr. Remes's petition says.

The New York Times

The shot did not disable him, and according to Mr. Ostrer, Mr. Acosta-Sanchez "continued to act aggressively".

The New York Times

He gamely borrowed a replacement, only to be clobbered on the next pitch by another "terrible blow" that "threatened to disable him," The Cleveland Herald reported.

The New York Times - Sports

However, during the last 10 years his chronic diabetes had begun to disable him, which in turn gave him relatively little time to attend the House of Commons.

The Guardian

"If you don't disable him, then after three or four days you ask him if he's ready to go and he's going to say yes.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

An infected circumcision disables him for months, while a jealous neighbor bombards their house with rotting dog entrails.

The New York Times - Books

In fact, AIDS-related neuropathy had disabled him by then, and he was confined to a wheelchair.

The New York Times - Magazine

(AP) — A 13-year-old boy with a propane torch and other weapons slashed a girl with a knife before other students jumped on him, disabling him before school officials disarmed him.

The New York Times

Only he doesn't kill the bad guy he just disables him, then the bad guy finally gets out of the tub with the knife and the good guy has to kill him.

The Guardian - Film

Because Scalise was on the team, Capitol Police officers were at the practice (as a member of House leadership, Scalise gets round-the-clock protection), and those officers shot back at Hodgkinson, disabling him; he died soon afterward.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disable him", consider the context. Is it physical, strategic, or technical? Choose a more specific alternative if the context allows for it.

Common error

While "disable him" is grammatically correct, it can sound informal or even violent in certain contexts. In professional or academic writing, consider alternatives like "render him ineffective" or "limit his capabilities."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disable him" functions as a transitive verb phrase, where "disable" is the verb and "him" is the direct object. This indicates an action performed on a specific individual, aiming to make them unable to function effectively. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

28%

Sports

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "disable him" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that signifies rendering an individual unable to function, whether physically, strategically, or technically. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While suitable for various contexts, it's crucial to consider the level of formality and potential for misinterpretation, opting for alternatives like "incapacitate him" or "render him ineffective" in professional or academic settings. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its prevalence in news, wiki content, and sports reporting, emphasizing its versatility across different communicative landscapes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incapacitate him

This alternative focuses on making someone unable to function, often through injury or restraint. It suggests a more forceful or physical action than "disable him".

neutralize him

This alternative implies rendering someone ineffective or harmless, often in a strategic or conflict-related context. It's less about physical ability and more about influence or threat.

immobilize him

This option specifically refers to preventing someone from moving or being mobile. It is usually physical.

put him out of action

This idiomatic phrase suggests removing someone from active participation or effectiveness, often due to injury or other impediment. Suggests short term effect.

take him out of the game

This option means to remove someone from a competition or activity, often due to injury or a strategic decision.

render him ineffective

This emphasizes a reduction in effectiveness or capability, rather than a complete cessation of function.

hamper him

This suggests impeding or hindering someone's progress or ability to act fully. It implies a degree of limitation.

cripple him

This alternative means to cause severe damage or impairment, often permanent, to someone's ability to function. It implies a more serious consequence.

subdue him

This option means to overcome or bring someone under control, often through force or authority. It highlights control.

take away his ability

This option emphasizes the removal of the capacity to do something.

FAQs

How can "disable him" be used in a sentence?

"Disable him" is used to describe the act of making someone unable to function or perform an action. For example, "The goal was to "disable him" before he could activate the bomb".

What are some alternatives to "disable him"?

Alternatives to "disable him" include "incapacitate him", "neutralize him", or "immobilize him", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "disable of him"?

No, the correct phrasing is "disable him". The preposition "of" is not needed or grammatically correct in this context.

What's the difference between "disable him" and "kill him"?

"Disable him" implies rendering someone unable to function, while "kill him" means to end someone's life. "Disable him" may suggest a temporary or non-lethal action, whereas kill him refers to a permanent, lethal one.