Disband Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”“
Add to dictionary

disband

[dษชsหˆbรฆnd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

military

To break up or dissolve a group, especially a military unit or organization.

Synonyms

break up, dismantle, disperse, dissolve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
disband

Used when referring to formally ending a group, organization, or team, indicating that its members are no longer part of a structured entity.

  • The band decided to disband after 20 years of performing together.
  • The company had to disband their research team due to budget cuts.
break up

Often used in informal contexts, especially to describe the end of a romantic relationship or a casual group separating.

  • They decided to break up after realizing they wanted different things in life.
  • The children had to break up their playgroup when it started to rain heavily.
dissolve

Often used to describe formally ending a legal or official body, like a marriage, partnership, or organization.

  • The couple decided to dissolve their marriage after many years of separation.
  • The board members agreed to dissolve the charity due to lack of funding.
disperse

Refers to spreading out or scattering in different directions, often used in contexts involving crowds or gatherings.

  • The police ordered the protesters to disperse to avoid any further clashes.
  • As the meeting ended, the attendees began to disperse and head to their next appointments.
dismantle

Used when taking apart or deconstructing something physical, or sometimes metaphorically for systems or structures.

  • The workers dismantled the old machinery to make way for the new equipment.
  • The government aimed to dismantle the corrupt system that plagued the country.

Examples of usage

  • The general decided to disband the special forces unit.
  • After the war, the army disbanded many of its divisions.
  • The government announced plans to disband the rebel group.
  • The decision to disband the battalion was met with mixed reactions.
  • The mayor's proposal to disband the police department was controversial.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In military history, armies would disband after conflicts, returning soldiers to civilian life.
  • Many political movements have disbanded when their goals were achieved or faced opposition.

Pop Culture

  • Popular bands in music often disband after reaching their peak, leading to solo careers for members.
  • Movies often depict the disbanding of groups, like the end of 'The Breakfast Club' where friends go back to their lives.

Sociology

  • Disbanding can be seen in social groups, where changing interests lead people to stop meeting.
  • Research suggests that familial or community disbanding can impact emotional well-being, emphasizing the importance of connection.

Education

  • In academic settings, clubs or project teams may disband after completing their task or if participation decreases.
  • Planning for disbanding can help organizations manage transitions smoothly and minimize disruptions among members.

Origin of 'disband'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the prefix 'dis-', meaning 'apart,' and 'band' from Old French, which means 'a group or a tie.'
  • The use of 'disband' dates back to the late 15th century, reflecting the practice of armies dissolving after a campaign.

The word 'disband' originated in the late 16th century, derived from the Middle French word 'desbander', meaning 'to unbind'. It first appeared in English in the military context, referring to the breaking up of troops or military units. Over time, the usage of 'disband' has expanded to include any group or organization being dissolved or broken up.


See also: band, bandage, banded, bandit, bands, bandwidth.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,267, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.