Definition

To remove or break off the mast of a ship or boat.

Example

The storm was so strong that it dismasted the sailing vessel.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about the storm that dismast the old sailing ship?

Yeah, I saw the news; it looked really bad.

I can't believe how strong the winds were to dismast it like that.

I know, right? It's such a shame to see a classic ship damaged.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dismast → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart) and "mast" (from Old English "mæst", meaning the vertical structure on a ship that supports sails). The word "dismast" means to take away or remove the mast from a ship, effectively separating it from the vessel.

Memory Tip

Think of 'taking apart' ('dis-') the 'mast' of a ship, which helps you remember that dismast means to remove the mast from a ship.

Visually Confused Words