Words / C1

dis-MANTL/dɪsˈmæntl/

To dismantle is to take something apart, or to end a system piece by piece: dismantle a machine, dismantle a timetable, dismantle an argument. Take apart is everyday for objects; scrap and abolish are stronger for systems. Dismantling is the noun. In speech, take it apart / take it down is enough. Physical or institutional. Do not use it for deleting one bullet point.

Meaning

To take something apart, or to end a system piece by piece.

Examples

• “They dismantled the old timetable.”
• “They dismantled the old rota and rebuilt it around the bus times.”
• “She dismantled the opposing case claim by claim, without raising her voice.”

Good to know

Take apart, or take down a system bit by bit. Everyday: take apart / take down. Stronger for systems: abolish. Physical or institutional.

Near in meaning

take apart

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