də̇s+ verb
Etymology: dis- + integrate
transitive verb
1. : to break or decompose (something) into constituent elements or into parts
their attacks gradually disintegrated the government
2.
a. : to reduce (rock) to particulate matter (as by weathering)
b. : to shatter (as a building) suddenly into bits (as by exploding)
c. : to cause disintegration of (an atomic nucleus)
intransitive verb
1. : to break or separate into constituent elements or parts
with the rise of nationalism, the colonial empires disintegrated
2.
a. of rock : to become reduced to particulate matter usually through the action of natural forces
the older strata gradually disintegrate
b. of a structure : to shatter suddenly : fly to bits
the flaming building suddenly disintegrated
the plane hit the ground and disintegrated
c. : to deteriorate by or as if by breaking into constituent parts
asked if he thought theater was disintegrating — Louise Mace
an actor long since disintegrated by the blacklist — Murray Kempton
the disintegrating features of an aging woman — Philip Wylie
d. : to undergo disintegration — used of an atomic nucleus, a neutron, or a meson
Synonyms: see decay