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

More than a thousand disabled children across the UK are waiting for wheelchairs and mobility equipment that could transform their lives, Whizz Kidz say.

From BBC

Ruvalcaba, a mother of two adult children, spent decades working as an accountant until 2017, when she became permanently disabled because of complications arising from Bipolar 1 Disorder.

From Los Angeles Times

"This network had the power to disable cell phone towers and essentially shut down the cellular network in New York City," said special agent in charge Matt McCool.

From BBC

She warned about the impact on "digitally excluded" people, such as the elderly and disabled - and voiced concern about digital ID being abused to intimidate vulnerable and marginalised people.

From BBC

For both Raymond and me, as Deaf artists, it sends a powerful message, that the contribution of disabled voices in the arts is not peripheral, that it is central, meaningful, and worthy of recognition.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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