dismember

verb

dis·​mem·​ber (ˌ)dis-ˈmem-bər How to pronounce dismember (audio)
dismembered; dismembering (ˌ)dis-ˈmem-b(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce dismember (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to cut off or disjoin the limbs, members, or parts of
2
: to break up or tear into pieces
dismemberment noun

Examples of dismember in a Sentence

The victims' bodies had been dismembered and buried in the basement. quickly dismembered the old toolshed and hauled it off to the dump
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Her body was found dismembered more than 70 miles away from the group home she was reported missing from. Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025 On Friday, June 6, Maxwell Anderson, 34, was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, dismembering a corpse, arson and hiding a corpse in connection with the April 2024 death of Sade Carleena Robinson, the Associated Press and local outlet TMJ4 News reported. Angel Saunders, People.com, 7 June 2025 Cold case solved over 50 years after a young mom was killed, her 3-year-old daughter left alive The victim -- 54-year-old grandmother Vivian Moss -- was found dismembered with multiple stab wounds to the chest in San Jose on July 11, 1981. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 28 May 2025 When one is found dismembered, the parents of the other two fear the worst. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for dismember

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dismembren, from Anglo-French desmembrer, from des- dis- + membre member

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dismember was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dismember.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dismember. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

dismember

verb
dis·​mem·​ber (ˈ)dis-ˈmem-bər How to pronounce dismember (audio)
dismembered; dismembering -b(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce dismember (audio)
1
: to cut off or separate the limbs or parts of
2
: to break up or tear into pieces
dismemberment noun

Medical Definition

dismember

transitive verb
dis·​mem·​ber (ˈ)dis-ˈmem-bər How to pronounce dismember (audio)
dismembered; dismembering -b(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce dismember (audio)
: to cut off or disjoin the limbs, members, or parts of
dismemberment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dismember

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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