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
Synonyms
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
Trust in information, identities and institutions is disintegrating, raising questions about their relevance in the future.
—
Dan Yerushalmi, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
Archaeologists also found stone casings and nails, which suggests the children were once buried in wooden coffins that have disintegrated over time.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025
Straws and other single-use plastic items can also disintegrate over time, shedding particles known as microplastics into our water and food, which studies say can cause serious health issues like cancers and respiratory disorders.
—Chad De Guzman, TIME, 12 Feb. 2025
His father was the first Israeli in space, but among the seven who died Feb. 1, 2003 aboard Columbia when the orbiter disintegrated upon re-entry during its 28th mission.
—Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for disintegrate 
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.
Dan Yerushalmi, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
Archaeologists also found stone casings and nails, which suggests the children were once buried in wooden coffins that have disintegrated over time.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025
Straws and other single-use plastic items can also disintegrate over time, shedding particles known as microplastics into our water and food, which studies say can cause serious health issues like cancers and respiratory disorders.
—Chad De Guzman, TIME, 12 Feb. 2025
His father was the first Israeli in space, but among the seven who died Feb. 1, 2003 aboard Columbia when the orbiter disintegrated upon re-entry during its 28th mission.
—Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for disintegrate
Dictionary Entries Near disintegrate
Cite this Entry
“Disintegrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disintegrate. Accessed 22 Feb. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share