disband

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "disband" is an English word and can be used in written English.
It is a verb meaning to break up a group of people or to end their association with one another. Example sentence: After the manager was fired, the company decided to disband the project team.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Given this, Buckley-Irvine said, the students' union had decided to "have a clean break from these negative club cultures", and disband the club for the year.

The Guardian

Many militias operating in cities are only willing to join the Libyan National Army as a unit, and the government has done little to disband them.

The Guardian

One aspect of his proposals is to disband the regional boards, powerful bodies made up of Co-op members.

The Guardian - Business

He was due to meet the recently appointed prime minister, Ali Zaidan, who is trying to construct a government of national unity and disband the militias that dominate the country.

The Guardian

Given that the IRA is unlikely to decommission more arms, let alone disband between now and Christmas, the power-sharing coalition between unionists and nationalists will collapse after 18 January 2003 - the date of the next UUC meeting.

The Guardian

Speaking afterwards, he insisted that the IRA must disarm and disband to prove the republican movement was now committed to solely peaceful means.

The Guardian

These parties, with an electoral pact, could win an election to form a one-term coalition to introduce a fair form of proportional representation, after which they could disband.

The Guardian

In an email to members to further explain Tuesday's decision to disband the men's club for an academic year, the LSE students' union president, Nona Buckley-Irvine, said an investigation had uncovered "a negative culture within the club that has existed for years".

The Guardian

The club opted to take collective responsibility and a decision was taken to disband the men's rugby club for an academic year".

The Guardian

The ECR grouping the Tories are part of may not make the required quota of the group having MEPs from at least seven different member states - which means they may have to disband.

The Guardian

Berlusconi has said he wants to disband the PdL and reform Forza Italia, the party with which he entered politics in the mid-1990s.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disband" when referring to the formal ending of a group, organization, or unit, especially when it involves a deliberate decision or process.

Common error

Avoid using "disband" when you mean "disperse". "Disband" implies a formal end, while "disperse" suggests scattering or moving in different directions without necessarily ending the group's existence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "disband" is as a verb. It describes the action of breaking up or dissolving a group, organization, or entity. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples demonstrating its active usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disband" is a versatile verb used to describe the formal termination of a group, organization, or entity. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in news and media, reflecting its importance in describing organizational changes. When using "disband", it's crucial to differentiate it from similar terms like "disperse" to ensure accurate communication. Remember that while "disband" can be used in various contexts, it generally maintains a formal tone, signaling a deliberate decision to cease operations or existence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dissolve

Similar to "disband", but often implies a more formal or legal termination.

break up

A more informal way to describe the end of a group.

terminate

A formal term for ending something, often used in business contexts.

abolish

Implies the formal cancellation of a practice or system.

decommission

Often used in the context of military units or equipment being taken out of service.

wind up

British English term for bringing something to an end, especially a business.

close down

To cease operating, usually referring to businesses or institutions.

dismantle

To take something apart piece by piece; can be used metaphorically for organizations.

liquidate

Typically refers to selling off assets to end a business.

demobilize

To release from military service or to disband troops.

FAQs

How do I use "disband" in a sentence?

You can use "disband" to describe the act of formally ending a group or organization, such as, "The committee voted to "disband" the task force after the project's completion".

What can I say instead of "disband"?

You can use alternatives like "dissolve", "break up", or "terminate" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "disbanded the army" or "disbanded the military"?

Both "disbanded the army" and "disbanded the military" are correct, but the choice depends on the specific context. "Disbanded the army" refers specifically to the army, while "disbanded the military" implies ending the entire military organization.

What's the difference between "disband" and "decommission"?

"Disband" generally refers to ending the existence of a group or organization, while "decommission" often refers to taking equipment or facilities out of service, though it can also apply to military units.