dismantle

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "dismantle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the actions of taking apart a complex structure or object piece by piece. For example, "The engineers worked quickly to dismantle the bridge before it completely collapsed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Assange calls the site "an uncensorable system for untraceable mass document leaking and public analysis," and a government or company that wanted to remove content from WikiLeaks would have to practically dismantle the Internet itself.

The Economist

This was standing next to a nuclear bomb and not knowing how to dismantle it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One possible response: dismantle or at least shrink the eurozone to such an extent that rules become credible (even though advocates of a "neuro", a northern eurozone, tend to forget that "northern" chancellor Gerhard Schröder, in alliance with France and Italy, was instrumental in first weakening the rules in 2005).

The Guardian - Opinion

It says a lot about the first-term senator that he managed to dismantle parts of the Patriot Act – one of George W Bush's signature pieces of anti-terrorist legislation – enraging much of his party, and emerge claiming "victory no matter how you look at it".

The Guardian

Corporate media's solution isn't to totally dismantle public broadcasters – there's no public appetite for that – but to neuter, privatise, weaken, dismiss and delegitimise them.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Given [our] record of achievement and the now-deep links between business and families, it seems strange that we face a determined attempt, even if temporarily hidden, to dismantle the United Kingdom," wrote Mr Blair.

The Guardian

"From the outset they have come up against a concrete wall," said Hatzis, adding that the anti-austerity movement believed it would have much wider backing in its quest to dismantle Germany's obsession with policies of economic rectitude.

The Guardian

Radical feminists claim that they've been trying to dismantle gender for the past 40-or-so years, but I'm yet to see evidence of their success.

The Guardian - Opinion

So that anyone who tries to dismantle its arguments – Ukip deputy leader Paul Nuttall, say, or a more popular, less divisive comedian – should arrive well-briefed and ready for a fight.

The Guardian

For Sinéad O'Connor, the best way to dismantle male dominance was not to go after any actual men in the industry but to rev up that noted vehicle of genuine concern, the open letter, and use it to deliver a torrent of slut-shaming that was so feminist that it repeatedly used the term "prostitute" as a derogatory insult.

The Guardian - Opinion

Along with other no campaigners, their main argument has been a rather cynical attempt to reframe the referendum as about children rather than marriage equality, a misconception the referendum commissioner has taken pains to dismantle.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dismantle", ensure the context clearly indicates a process of taking something apart systematically, rather than simply destroying it.

Common error

Avoid using "dismantle" when a simpler term like "destroy" or "break" is more appropriate. "Dismantle" implies a deliberate, structured process of deconstruction, not just random damage.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dismantle" is that of a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where "dismantle" is used to describe the act of taking something apart.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dismantle" is a transitive verb frequently used to describe the process of systematically taking something apart, either physically or metaphorically. According to Ludwig AI, it follows standard grammar rules and is widely accepted. Predominantly found in news and media sources, as Ludwig's examples show, "dismantle" carries a neutral tone and is suitable for various contexts. When using "dismantle", ensure you emphasize the deliberate and structured nature of the deconstruction, distinguishing it from mere destruction. Related alternatives include "take apart" and "disassemble".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take apart

Focuses on the physical separation of components.

disassemble

Similar to take apart, but often implies a more structured process.

deconstruct

Implies a more abstract or theoretical breaking down.

demolish

Suggests a more forceful and complete destruction.

break down

A more general term for causing something to fail or cease functioning.

take down

Can refer to removing something physically or metaphorically.

eliminate

Focuses on removing or getting rid of something entirely.

abolish

Refers to formally ending a system, practice, or institution.

eradicate

Implies a thorough removal, often of something harmful or unwanted.

invalidate

Refers to cancel or nullify, specifically about something legal.

FAQs

How can I use "dismantle" in a sentence?

You can use "dismantle" to describe the act of taking something apart piece by piece, such as "The team had to dismantle the machine to repair it."

What are some synonyms for "dismantle"?

Alternatives to "dismantle" include "take apart", "disassemble", or "deconstruct", depending on the context.

What is the difference between "dismantle" and "demolish"?

"Dismantle" suggests a careful, piece-by-piece deconstruction, while "demolish" implies a more forceful and complete destruction.

Is it correct to use "dismantle" in a metaphorical sense?

Yes, "dismantle" can be used metaphorically to describe the breaking down of a system, idea, or organization, such as "They sought to dismantle the old regime".