Disintegration Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disintegration

[dɪsˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

physical

The process of breaking something down into smaller parts, especially in a destructive manner.

Synonyms

breakdown, decay, destruction, deterioration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
disintegration	This term is used to describe the process of something breaking down into smaller parts, usually over time. It can refer to both physical and metaphorical breakdowns. The disintegration of the ancient manuscript made it impossible to read. The disintegration of the team’s unity was evident after the loss.
destruction	This word is used when something is completely ruined or devastated, often by external forces, and commonly carries a sense of finality. The hurricane caused massive destruction along the coast. The war led to the near-total destruction of the city.
deterioration	This term is used to describe the gradual worsening of something in quality, condition, or function. It often implies a slow process. There has been a noticeable deterioration in her health over the past year. The building showed signs of deterioration after decades of neglect.
decay	This is used to describe the gradual process of rotting or decomposing, especially in organic matter. It can also describe the decline of structures or morals over time. The fruit was left out too long and began to decay. The decay of traditional values is a common complaint among older generations.
breakdown	Typically used to describe a failure of a system, machine, or relationship. It often implies a sudden stop or malfunction. The car experienced a sudden breakdown in the middle of the highway. After weeks of arguments, their relationship finally reached a breakdown.

Examples of usage

The disintegration of the old building was caused by years of neglect.
The disintegration of the rock formation was due to erosion.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

social

The breakdown or fragmentation of a system, organization, or society.

Synonyms

breakup, collapse, dissolution, fragmentation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
disintegration	Used when referring to something breaking down into smaller parts, especially over time, and often in a physical sense. The disintegration of the old building was accelerated by the harsh weather His mental disintegration was tragic to witness
fragmentation	Used to talk about something breaking into many smaller, often disconnected or isolated, parts. The fragmentation of the forest habitat endangers many species The fragmentation of her thoughts made it hard for her to concentrate
collapse	Often used to describe a sudden and complete failure or falling apart, generally in a structural or organizational context. The bridge collapse led to a major traffic disruption The financial collapse of the company stunned the market
dissolution	Typically used in a formal or legal context to refer to the official ending of a partnership, marriage, or organization. The dissolution of the marriage was finalized last year The dissolution of the parliament was announced amid political turmoil
breakup	Commonly used in personal relationships or to refer to the ending of a partnership or organization. Their breakup was painful for both of them The breakup of the company resulted in many employees losing their jobs

Examples of usage

The disintegration of the government led to chaos in the country.
The disintegration of the family unit can have long-lasting effects.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

chemistry

The process of a substance breaking down into its constituent parts or elements.

Synonyms

decomposition, dissociation, separation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
disintegration	Use this term when referring to the process of breaking apart into smaller fragments or losing cohesion. Often used in a physical, social, or organizational context. The disintegration of the old building was inevitable due to years of neglect The company's sudden disintegration surprised many employees The social disintegration caused by war had long-lasting effects
decomposition	Relevant in scientific or biological contexts, especially when referring to the breakdown of organic matter into simpler substances. The leaves on the forest floor were in various stages of decomposition Scientists study decomposition to understand ecological systems The body's decomposition was accelerated in the humid environment
dissociation	Commonly used in psychological, chemical, or social contexts to describe the separation of connected elements. Can have a negative connotation in psychological contexts where it refers to a mental process. In chemistry, dissociation refers to the separation of molecules into smaller components The patient's dissociation from reality concerned the doctors His mental dissociation was triggered by the traumatic event
separation	A general term used across various contexts to describe the act or process of dividing or being divided into parts. It can be physical, emotional, or organizational. The separation of the twins at birth was a difficult decision for the family After years of marriage, they decided on a trial separation The separation of church and state is a fundamental principle in many countries

Examples of usage

The disintegration of the compound was studied in the lab.
Heat can cause the disintegration of certain chemical compounds.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

In physics, disintegration can refer to the decay of radioactive materials, where atoms break down into smaller particles.
In chemistry, it describes a substance breaking into smaller chemical species, often during a reaction.
In biology, cell disintegration is a natural process that can occur during aging or in response to disease.

Psychology

Disintegration can symbolize psychological breakdown, where a person may experience fragmentation of thoughts and emotions.
A theory in psychology suggests that some individuals may face a disintegration of their identity during major life changes.
In certain mental health conditions, like dissociative disorders, individuals may feel their sense of self disintegrating.

Literature

Disintegration often appears as a theme in dystopian fiction, representing societal collapse and loss of order.
Poets sometimes use the concept to illustrate emotional decay, capturing feelings of loss and fragmentation.
Notable works, like those of Virginia Woolf, explore the disintegration of individual consciousness, revealing the struggles of identity.

Pop Culture

In movies, disintegration can visually represent a character's demise, often seen in superhero films where villains disappear dramatically.
Popular video games, such as 'Portal', use disintegration as a mechanic, where characters can be broken down and reassembled.
Music often uses this term metaphorically, with bands representing emotional disintegration in lyrics about heartbreak and loss.

Origin of 'disintegration'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from Latin 'disintegratio', meaning to break apart, combining 'dis-' (apart) and 'integrate' (to make whole).
It started being used in the English language in the late 16th century, with its meaning evolving to refer to the breaking down of materials.
The prefix 'dis-' often indicates reversal or negation, while 'integrate' refers to combining parts into a whole.

The word 'disintegration' originated from the Latin word 'disintegrare', which means 'to break up'. It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. The concept of disintegration has been observed in various fields such as physics, chemistry, and social sciences. The term is often used to describe the process of breaking down or falling apart, whether it be physical, social, or chemical. Disintegration can be a natural occurrence, as in the decay of organic matter, or it can be a result of external forces or neglect.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,309, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
10306 undivided
10307 disapproval
10308 moderation
10309 disintegration
10310 mini
10311 randomized
10312 cheerfully
...