Dismantling Meaning and Definition
Dismantling
Pronunciation
/dɪsmænˈtɪlɪŋ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The process of carefully taking apart or disassembling something, such as a machine or a structure, in order to inspect, repair, or dispose of its components.
Etymology
The word “dismantling” comes from the 15th-century phrase “to dismantle”, which means to take apart or disassemble. This phrase is derived from the Old French “desmantler”, meaning to undo or take apart, which is itself derived from the Latin “demantelle”, meaning to loosen or untie.
Usage Notes
Dismantling is often used in technical and industrial contexts, such as in the repair or maintenance of machinery, or in the demolition of buildings. It can also be used in more figurative senses, such as in the context of emotional or psychological disassembly.
Cultural References
In popular culture, dismantling is often depicted in movies, books, and TV shows where characters need to disassemble machines or structures to gain access or resolve a crisis.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Take apart
- Disassemble
- Break down
Related Words or Phrases
- Assembly
- Disposal
- Repair
Collocations
- Dismantling a machine
- Dismantling a building
- Dismantling a project
Frequency of Use
Dismantling is a relatively rare word in everyday language, but it is gaining popularity in technical and industrial contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Dismentling
- Desmantling
- Deismantling