disable

[dis-ey-buhl]

verb (used with object)

disabled, disabling 

1. to make unable or unfit; weaken or destroy the capability of; incapacitate.

   The detective successfully disabled the bomb.

   Synonyms: paralyze, enfeeble

2. to impair or injure (a person or animal) physically or mentally.

   The accident disabled him for life.

3. to make legally incapable; disqualify.

   Minors are legally disabled from entering into a contract.

4. Digital Technology.,  to make (a device, system, or feature) unable to function; turn off.

   Some of the car’s advanced safety features can be disabled.

disable

/ dɪsˈeɪbəl /

verb

1. to make ineffective, unfit, or incapable, as by crippling

2. to make or pronounce legally incapable

3. to switch off (an electronic device)

Other Word Forms

• disablement noun
• disabler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disable¹

First recorded in 1475–85; dis- ¹ + able

Example Sentences

With his background in construction, he said he knew that turning off the homes’ circuit breakers would disable their surveillance systems.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Karma Quick-Panwala, a leader at the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, which advocates for disabled students, said she wants to be optimistic.

Read more on Salon

Ukraine's air force said on Wednesday its defences shot down or disabled 154 drones, but 22 struck targets in 11 locations.

Read more on BBC

“They attacked our vessels, intimidated our crew, and disabled our communications,” he said in the Oct.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Job centre work coaches say they are struggling to find employers who can accommodate disabled people and get them into work.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• exhaust 
• immobilize 
• knock out 
• ruin 
• shatter 
• undermine 
• wreck