disassemble
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /dɪsəˈsɛmbəl/
KK: /dɪsəˈsɛmbəl/
intransitive verb
Definition
To break into parts or pieces, often in a random or disorganized way.
Example
The old toy began to disassemble after years of use.
Tense Forms
Past: disassembled
Past Participle: disassembled
Conversation
Did you see how that old bike disassemble when I tried to fix it?
Yeah, I noticed! It looked like it was falling apart.
I guess some parts just disassemble easier than others.
True! Maybe I should take a look at it next time.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
break
separate
split
Antonyms
assemble
join
unite
transitive verb
Definition
To take something apart into its separate pieces.
Example
He decided to disassemble the old computer to see how it worked.
Tense Forms
Past: disassembled
Past Participle: disassembled
Conversation
I need to disassemble my old bicycle this weekend.
Oh really? Why are you taking it apart?
I want to clean it and see if I can fix some parts.
Root Explanation
Disassemble → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart) and "assemble" (from Latin "assimulare", meaning to bring together). The word "disassemble" means to take something apart or to separate the components that were brought together.
Memory Tip
Think of taking something that was 'brought together' ('assemble') and now 'separating' it ('dis-'). This helps you remember that disassemble means to take apart.
Visually Confused Words
dissemble
dissembler
assemble
dissembly
assembler