dismantle

Definition

To take apart; to disassemble; to take to pieces.

Etymology

From Middle French desmanteler, itself from des- (“dis-”), mantel (“coat”) + -er (verbal suffix).

Example Sentences

• "In order to grant the rich these pleasures, the social contract is reconfigured. The welfare state is dismantled. Essential public services are cut so that the rich may pay less tax."
• "This story of how American originality lost its way is arresting and well told. On an alternate timeline without Donald Trump in office dismantling the American scientific establishment and Elon Musk kneecapping the American state, it might have been the manifesto of a new politics."
• "If we can dismantle hate rhetoric and explain why it is, in fact, illogical, is the language no longer dangerous?"