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Definitions

disable

[dis-ey-buhl] / dɪsˈeɪ bəl /
VERB
render inoperative
Synonyms
STRONGEST
exhaust immobilize knock out ruin shatter undermine wreck
STRONG
attenuate batter blunt disarm disenable disqualify enervate enfeeble hamstring invalidate kibosh mar muzzle pinion prostrate sabotage sap spoil total unbrace unfit
WEAK
hock hogtie put out of action render incapable throw monkey wrench in unstrengthen
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid assist benefit build cure fix heal help improve invigorate mend mobilize repair strengthen
STRONG
increase permit
WEAK
enable
VERB
impair or injure
Synonyms
STRONGEST
impair incapacitate
STRONG
damage debilitate injure paralyze
WEAK
harm hurt maim mutilate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

According to prosecutors, on Saturday evening four soldiers housed at Percy Hospital had begun playing a game known within the military that involves attempting to disarm a colleague and disable their weapon.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

"In one experiment, we use a neurotoxin to disable the sympathetic nervous system," Nigri says.

From Science Daily • Feb. 15, 2026

Parents who attended this week’s protest urged the company to do more to safeguard young people from predators and called for Snap to disable its AI chatbot.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

You can disable the feature by going to the menu, then Control Center.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

You are free to disable our Link whenever you desire.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.