disintegrate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //dɪsˈɪn.tɪ.ɡreɪt//
KK: /dɪsˈɪn.tɪ.ɡreɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To break apart into smaller pieces or particles, often losing structure or unity.
Example
The old building began to disintegrate after years of neglect.
Tense Forms
Past: disintegrated
Past Participle: disintegrated
Conversation
Did you hear about that old building downtown?
Yeah, I heard it's starting to disintegrate due to age.
It's sad to see such history just fall apart like that.
I know, right? They should really do something before it completely disintegrates.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fragment
break
dissolve
Antonyms
unite
cohere
integrate
transitive verb
Definition
To break something into smaller parts or pieces, often causing it to fall apart or lose its structure.
Example
The intense heat caused the rock to disintegrate into dust.
Tense Forms
Past: disintegrated
Past Participle: disintegrated
Conversation
Have you ever seen something disintegrate in front of you?
Not really, but I heard it can be pretty fascinating.
I watched a video where they made a rock disintegrate with acid.
Root Explanation
Disintegrate → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart) and "integrate" (from Latin "integratus", meaning to make whole). The word describes the process of breaking something apart or causing it to lose its wholeness.
Memory Tip
Think of something being broken 'apart' ('dis-') from being 'whole' ('integrate') — that's why disintegrate means to break into pieces.
Visually Confused Words
undisintegrated
integrate
redintegrate