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Definition of disable

disable

/dɪsˈeɪ.bəl/
dis · a · ble
Adjective:disabled
•
Past Simple:disabled
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Past Participle:disabled
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Present Participle:disabling
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disable Lexical Profile

disable Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To put out of action or make unable to function properly (especially of a machine, device, or software feature).

Example

"You can disable notifications in the application settings if they become distracting."

2

To limit a person in their movements, senses, or activities, or to cause a permanent physical or mental impairment.

Example

"The severe spinal injury threatened to disable the athlete for the rest of the season."

3

To declare or make someone legally incapable or disqualified from performing an action or holding a right.

Example

"A conflict of interest may disable a judge from presiding over a particular legal case."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for disable

• Nearby Words

dis
disa
disability
disable
disabled
disablement
disabler

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in late Middle English from the prefix dis- (expressing negation or deprivation) and the adjective able, originally used in legal contexts to mean 'to render legally incapable.'

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Disable. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/disable
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