disinvent

American  

[dis-in-vent] / ˌdɪs ɪnˈvɛnt /

verb (used with object)

1. to undo the invention of; to reverse the existence of.

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Other Word Forms

• disinvention noun

Etymology

Origin of disinvent

First recorded in 1865–70; dis- ¹ ( def. ) + invent ( def. )

Explanation

To disinvent is to undo the invention of something. As much as you might like to, you can't disinvent the concept of homework. The verb disinvent is unusual in that it's always used in a negative sense. Logically, it's impossible to reverse the creation of something, unless you're writing a science fiction story. So this word is useful for talking about things you wish had never existed: "If only we could disinvent nuclear weapons." Or on challenging days: "Sometimes I wish they'd disinvent the entire idea of siblings!" It comes from dis-, "the opposite of," and invent, "to create."

Example Sentences

If we are too afraid to state our dreams – even to begin to sketch out possible futures – then we have begun to disinvent the greatest facility humans have: to invent better.

From The Guardian • Mar. 5, 2016

But we’ve also go this stunning capacity to disinvent and invent resources.

From New York Times • Mar. 10, 2011