disable

American  

[dis-ey-buhl] / dɪsˈeɪ bəl /

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.

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disable British  

/ 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)

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Other Word Forms

• disablement noun
• disabler noun

Etymology

Origin of disable

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

Example Sentences

One-third of Arctic shipping traffic now consists of “dark fleet” tankers with spotty insurance, disabled transponders and the maritime equivalent of fake IDs.

From MarketWatch

However, she said doctors had told her that her daughters were "probably never going to be able to walk, they probably will never regain their neck strength, so they will be disabled".

From BBC

They were tasked with “dismantling and disabling” Venezuela’s air-defense systems, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine told reporters Saturday, “to ensure the safe passage of the helicopters into the target area.”

From The Wall Street Journal

People aren't aware of how difficult it is to live as a disabled person.

From BBC

But if a student disables Opal to use a banned app, school officials are notified on an office dashboard.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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