disharmonize

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //dɪsˈhɑːrmənaɪz//

KK: /dɪsˈhɑːrmənaɪz/

transitive verb

Definition

To cause a lack of harmony or agreement between things or people.

Example

The new policy may disharmonize the relationship between the departments.

Tense Forms

Past: disharmonized

Past Participle: disharmonized

Conversation

You know, I really think some of our group discussions can disharmonize the team’s focus.

I get what you mean; sometimes it feels like we go off on too many tangents.

Exactly! If we stick to the main topic, we can avoid that disharmonize effect.

Totally! A little structure could help keep everyone aligned.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

dissonate

disunite

divide

Antonyms

harmonize

unite

reconcile

Root Explanation

Disharmonize → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart or away) and "harmonize" (from Greek "harmonia", meaning agreement or concord). The word "disharmonize" means to create a lack of agreement or to disrupt harmony.

Memory Tip

Think of 'dis-' meaning apart and 'harmonize' meaning to create agreement — so disharmonize means to take away that agreement.

Visually Confused Words