dismantle
Meaning: To take apart a structure, machine, or system piece by piece, or to abolish or destroy an institution, policy, or framework systematically.
Dismantle works equally well in physical and abstract contexts. A mechanic dismantles an engine; a government dismantles the welfare state. The figurative sense is a staple of political journalism, often carrying an accusatory tone — 'dismantle workers' rights,' 'dismantle the BBC.' The word implies methodical, deliberate action rather than sudden destruction, suggesting that something built with care is being undone with equal deliberation.
Examples
- Engineers began to dismantle the scaffolding once the restoration of the cathedral facade was complete. 大教堂外立面的修复工程完成后,工程师们开始拆除脚手架。Los ingenieros comenzaron a desmontar los andamios una vez concluida la restauración de la fachada de la catedral.大聖堂のファサードの修復が完了した後、技術者たちは足場の解体を始めた。대성당 외벽 복원이 완료된 후 기술자들이 비계 해체를 시작했다.
- The incoming administration pledged to dismantle the regulatory framework established by its predecessor. 新一届政府承诺拆除前任建立的监管框架。La nueva administración se comprometió a desmantelar el marco regulador establecido por su predecesora.新政権は前政権が確立した規制の枠組みを解体すると公約した。새 정권은 전임 정부가 수립한 규제 체계를 해체하겠다고 공약했다.
- Campaigners accused the government of systematically dismantling the protections that had been in place since the post-war settlement. 活动人士指责政府系统性地拆除战后体制以来一直存在的保护措施。Los activistas acusaron al gobierno de desmantelar sistemáticamente las protecciones vigentes desde el acuerdo de posguerra.活動家たちは、政府が戦後体制以来存在してきた保護措置を組織的に解体していると非難した。활동가들은 정부가 전후 체제 이래 존재해 온 보호 장치를 체계적으로 해체하고 있다고 비난했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: journalism, professional, academic
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old French desmanteler (to tear down the walls of a fortress), from des- (reversal) + manteler (to fortify, to cloak), from mantel (cloak, mantle). Entered English in the late 16th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
More From This Topic
More from General Advanced
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free