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Disable Meaning, Usage, and Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：deactivate (disable)
disable
/dɪsˈeɪbəl/
vt.
to make a device, system, or feature stop working properly or become inactive.
deactivate
➕
/diːˈæktɪveɪt/
vt.
To cause a device or system to stop functioning or become inactive.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin "dis-" (reverse) + "habilis" (able), meaning to take away ability.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of "dis" (remove) + "able" (ability) = disable. Remove the ability to function.
📖 Example
After the recent update, the new bug seems to disable the fingerprint scanner on some phones.
After the recent update, the new bug seems to disable the fingerprint scanner on some phones.
🔗 Collocations
disable a feature – To turn off a specific function or option.
disable the alarm – To stop an alarm from sounding or working.
disable notifications – To prevent notifications from appearing on a device.
🔄 Synonyms
deactivate (vt.) – To make something inactive or stop it from working.
turn off (phr.) – To stop a device or system from operating by pressing a switch or button.
shut down (phr.) – To close or turn off a system completely.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
disabled (adj.) – Having a physical or mental impairment; also refers to a device that is turned off.
disability (n.) – A physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.
disablement (n.) – The state of being disabled or the act of disabling.
📖 Cultural Story
Originally from Old French "desabler" (to make unable). In modern English, it is widely used in tech contexts, such as disabling notifications or accounts.
Meaning 2：incapacitate (disable)
disable
/dɪsˈeɪbəl/
vt.
to make someone lose a physical ability, especially because of an illness or injury.
incapacitate
➕
/ˌɪnkəˈpæsɪteɪt/
vt.
To cause someone to lose a bodily function or ability, often due to injury or illness.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The accident did not kill him, but it did disable him, confining him to a wheelchair.
The accident did not kill him, but it did disable him, confining him to a wheelchair.
🔗 Collocations
disable someone permanently – To cause a lasting loss of physical ability in a person.
disable a limb – To cause a leg or arm to lose its function.
disable by disease – To make a person unable to move or function normally due to illness.
🔄 Synonyms
incapacitate (vt.) – To make someone unable to act or function normally.
cripple (vt.) – To cause someone to become unable to walk or move properly.
immobilize (vt.) – To prevent someone or something from moving.
🚫 Antonyms
enable (vt.) – To make someone able to do something.
empower (vt.) – To give someone the power or ability to do something.
rehabilitate (vt.) – To restore someone to normal health or ability after an injury.
🌱 Derivatives
disabled (adj.) – Having a physical or mental impairment that limits activities.
disability (n.) – A condition that limits a person's physical or mental abilities.
disablement (n.) – The process or result of becoming disabled.
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