disintegrate
verb
dis·in·te·grate
(ˌ)dis-ˈin-tə-ˌgrāt 
disintegrated; disintegrating; disintegrates
1
: to break or decompose into constituent elements, parts, or small particles
water disintegrates the limestone
2
: to destroy the unity or integrity (see integrity sense 3) of
The lies disintegrated their marriage.
1
: to break or separate into constituent elements or parts
The iron hinges were disintegrating into dust.
2
: to lose unity or integrity by or as if by breaking into parts
The relationship started to disintegrate.
3
: to undergo a change in composition (see composition sense 2)
an atomic nucleus that disintegrates because of radioactivity
Examples of disintegrate in a Sentence
The paper will disintegrate if it gets wet.
The laser can disintegrate most kinds of rock.
Recent Examples on the Web
Millions of lives were at stake in the simulation, as government heads raced to decide whether or not to rocket nuclear warheads to deflect the asteroid or completely disintegrate it.
—
Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Were we placed under the same unforgiving microscope, even the most robust self-confidence would disintegrate, and fast.
—Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025
It’s been widely reported that the relationship between Harry and William began to disintegrate in 2016.
—Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 26 Feb. 2025
The result is exceedingly fragile and disintegrates if allowed to dry.
—Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disintegrate
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Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Were we placed under the same unforgiving microscope, even the most robust self-confidence would disintegrate, and fast.
—Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025
It’s been widely reported that the relationship between Harry and William began to disintegrate in 2016.
—Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 26 Feb. 2025
The result is exceedingly fragile and disintegrates if allowed to dry.
—Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disintegrate
Cite this Entry
“Disintegrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disintegrate. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
disintegrate
verb
dis·in·te·grate
(ˈ)dis-ˈint-ə-ˌgrāt
1
: to break or decompose into the elements, parts, or small particles making up something
2
: to go through a change in composition
an atomic nucleus that disintegrates because of radioactivity
Medical Definition
disintegrate
verb
dis·in·te·grate
(ˈ)dis-ˈint-ə-ˌgrāt
disintegrated; disintegrating
: to break or decompose into constituent elements, parts, or small particles
1
: to break or separate into constituent elements or parts
2
: to undergo a change in composition
an atomic nucleus that disintegrates because of radioactivity
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