Dictionary
disable
verb dis·able \dis-ˈā-bəl, diz-ˈā-\
: to cause (something) to be unable to work in the normal way
: to make (someone) unable to do something (such as use part of the body) in the usual way
dis·ableddis·abling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of DISABLE
transitive verb
1
: to deprive of legal right, qualification, or capacity
2
: to make incapable or ineffective; especially : to deprive of physical, moral, or intellectual strength
— dis·able·ment \-bəl-mənt\ noun
See disable defined for English-language learners
See disable defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of DISABLE
15th century
Related to DISABLE
- Synonyms
- cripple, maim, incapacitate, lame, mutilate
Synonym Discussion of DISABLE
weaken, enfeeble, debilitate, undermine, sap, cripple, disable mean to lose or cause to lose strength or vigor. weaken may imply loss of physical strength, health, soundness, or stability or of quality, intensity, or effective power <a disease that weakens the body's defenses> . enfeeble implies an obvious and pitiable condition of weakness and helplessness <enfeebled by starvation>. debilitate suggests a less marked or more temporary impairment of strength or vitality <the debilitating effects of surgery>. undermine and sap suggest a weakening by something working surreptitiously and insidiously <a poor diet undermines your health> <drugs had sapped his ability to think>. cripple implies causing a serious loss of functioning power through damaging or removing an essential part or element <crippled by arthritis>. disable suggests a usually sudden crippling or enfeebling <disabled soldiers received an immediate discharge>.
DISABLEMENT Defined for Kids
disable
verb dis·able \dis-ˈā-bəl\
dis·ableddis·abling
Definition of DISABLE for Kids
: to make unable or incapable <He disabled the computer system.>
Medical Dictionary
disable
transitive verb dis·able \dis-ˈā-bəl, diz-\
dis·ableddis·abling \-b(ə-)liŋ\
Medical Definition of DISABLE
: to deprive of a mental or physical capacity
Learn More About DISABLE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: disabledPrevious Word in the Dictionary: disability insuranceAll Words Near: disable
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up disable? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).