to make someone or something unable to function or operate normally, to injure or impair someone permanently

disable someone's defenses, disable an alarm, disable a bomb

mentally disabled, physically disabled, learning disability

Formal and Informal Expressions of disable

In different contexts, you can replace 'disable' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'incapacitate, impair' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'knock out, put out of action' is a commonplace synonym.

disable: Explore its Definition & Usage

disable Definition

1to make someone or something unable to function or operate normally
2to injure or impair someone permanently

Using disable: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "disable" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The accident disabled him for life.
Example
The virus disabled my computer.
Example
The company disabled the user's account due to suspicious activity.
Example
The injury disabled her from playing sports.

disable Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for disable

Antonyms for disable

Idioms Using disable

disable someone's defenses
to weaken someone's ability to resist or defend themselves
Example
The hacker was able to disable the company's defenses and steal sensitive information.
disable an alarm
to turn off or deactivate an alarm system
Example
He disabled the alarm before entering the building.
disable a bomb
to render a bomb harmless or inoperable
Example
The bomb squad was able to disable the bomb before it exploded.

Phrases with disable

mentally disabled
having a mental condition that limits intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior
Example
He was born mentally disabled and requires special care.
physically disabled
having a physical condition that limits mobility or other bodily functions
Example
The building has ramps and elevators for physically disabled individuals.
learning disability
a neurological disorder that affects the ability to receive, process, store, and respond to information
Example
She has a learning disability that makes it difficult for her to read and write.

Origins of disable

from Old French 'desabillier', meaning 'to undress'

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Summary: disable in Brief

The verb 'disable' [dɪsˈeɪbl] means to make someone or something unable to function normally, or to injure or impair someone permanently. It can refer to physical or mental limitations, as in 'The injury disabled her from playing sports,' or 'He was born mentally disabled and requires special care.' 'Disable' also extends into idioms like 'disable someone's defenses,' meaning to weaken someone's ability to resist, and 'disable a bomb,' meaning to render it harmless.