/ dɪsˈɪntɪgreɪt; NAmE / verb [ vn ]
1.
to break into small parts or pieces and be destroyed :
The plane disintegrated as it fell into the sea.
2.
to become much less strong or united and be gradually destroyed
SYN fall apart :
The authority of the central government was rapidly disintegrating.
► dis·in·te·gra·tion / dɪsˌɪntɪˈgreɪʃn; NAmE / noun [ U ]:
the gradual disintegration of traditional values