Meaning & use
disable
Last updated
To make something unable to function, or to deprive someone of a physical or mental ability.
See it in a sentence
The technician disabled the alarm before starting repairs on the wiring.
The injury disabled him from playing competitive sports for over a year.
A note on using this word
In everyday tech use it usually means 'turn off a feature' ('disable notifications'), while in a medical or legal context it can describe a lasting physical or mental impairment.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
enable
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