Disable: meaning, definitions and examples

When you want to make something non-functional temporarily, often used in a technical or physical context.

• We need to disable the alarm system before entering.
• He disabled the car's engine during the inspection.

When you want to turn off a feature, service or account, usually in a digital or software context.

• You should deactivate your social media account if it's hacked.
• The software license was deactivated after one year.

When switching off a device, appliance, or electrical equipment, often used in daily, casual contexts.

• Don't forget to turn off the lights before you leave.
• Can you turn off the TV? It's too noisy.

When turning off a machine, device, or a large system completely, often for maintenance or at the end of its use.

• We need to shut down the factory for the holidays.
• After the meeting, please shut down your computers.

Typically used to refer to making something non-functional or preventing it from operating normally. Often used in technical, medical, or administrative contexts.

• The security system was disabled during the power outage.
• The injury disabled him from playing sports.

Has a strong negative connotation and is often used to describe causing severe physical injury or damage that leads to a significant loss of functionality. It is considered insensitive when referring to people.

• The earthquake crippled the city's infrastructure.
• The virus managed to cripple the computer system.

Indicates causing someone or something to be unable to function properly, often due to injury or damage. Can be used in both physical and metaphorical senses.

• The severe flu incapacitated him for several days.
• A hacker attempted to incapacitate the network with malware.

Used in contexts where preventing movement is the primary focus, often in medical or tactical situations.

• The doctor applied a cast to immobilize the broken leg.
• The police used a spike strip to immobilize the fleeing car.

Used when referring to the action of making something or someone unable to function or work. Often found in a technical or physical context.

• The virus can disable your computer.
• He was disabled in the accident and now uses a wheelchair.

Used in a medical or technical context to describe a loss or abnormality of function or structure. It can refer to any tissue, organ, or system of the body.

• Hearing impairment can affect a child's language development.
• The technician noted the impairment in the device's functioning.

Used, often in a negative context, to describe a physical or mental condition that limits someone's abilities. It can also refer to an imposed disadvantage in a competition to level the playing field.

• He did not let his handicap prevent him from becoming a successful artist.
• In golf, a handicap is used to give weaker players a fair chance against stronger ones.

Used to describe a situation that is difficult and requires effort to overcome; can also mean a call to engage in a contest or competition.

• Learning a new language is a big challenge.
• She accepted the challenge to climb the mountain.