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

A disabled doctor, who believes the NHS sees it as "too difficult or inconvenient" to give her support, has considered leaving.

From BBC

"We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people's lives," said the organisation's media manager Warren Kirwan.

From BBC

He said losing his legs had led him to "audit" his life and try new things, including applying to become Nasa's first disabled astronaut.

From BBC

“This is a community of retired elderly, veterans and disabled individuals who really have no other place to go.”

From Los Angeles Times

Mark S Zuckerberg says his account has been disabled five times over the past eight years, and it has cost him thousands of dollars in lost business.

From BBC

Related Words

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