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dismember

verb

/dɪsˈmɛm bər/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of dismember

To physically separate or remove limbs, body parts, or components from a whole.
"The butcher skillfully began to dismember the animal carcass."

Detailed meaning of dismember

It entails the deliberate and often violent disconnection of individual parts from a larger entity, such as a human or animal body, or an object. The purpose of dismemberment can vary and may range from practical or surgical procedures to gruesome acts of violence. Dismemberment is often associated with severe trauma and is typically carried out with tools or instruments specifically designed for cutting, slicing, or tearing. The act of dismembering can have profound physical and psychological consequences, both for the individual being dismembered and for those who witness or engage in such actions. Due to its graphic and disturbing nature, dismemberment is widely considered a highly distressing and taboo subject.

Example sentences containing dismember

1. They attempted to dismember the tangled mess of wires to fix the electrical issue.
2. The forensic team had to carefully dismember the evidence for analysis.
3. The artist decided to dismember the sculpture and rearrange the pieces for a new creation.
4. The surgeon planned to dismember the bone to facilitate the surgical procedure.
5. The executioner's task was to dismember the body after the sentence was carried out.
6. The machine was designed to dismember large logs into smaller pieces of firewood.

History and etymology of dismember

The verb 'dismember' has its roots in the Middle English word 'dismembren,' which can be traced back to the Old French 'desmembrer.' In Old French, the prefix 'des-' signifies a reversal or removal, while 'membrer' is derived from the Latin 'membrum,' which means 'limb' or 'body part.' This Latin term is rooted in the Proto-Indo-European base '*mems-ro,' which also pertains to body parts. Therefore, when delving into its etymology, 'dismember' essentially denotes the act of physically separating or removing limbs, body parts, or components from a whole, and this meaning has been retained over time, reflecting its historical linguistic evolution.

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Further usage examples of dismember

1. The criminal's attempt to dismember the stolen jewelry was unsuccessful.
2. They had to dismember the broken furniture to remove it from the room.
3. The investigators found dismembered parts of the puzzle scattered across the floor.
4. The butcher used a sharp knife to dismember the meat into different cuts.
5. The surgeon carefully dismembered the damaged organ during the procedure.
6. The scavenger started to dismember the carcass to feast on its remains.
7. The authorities discovered dismembered remains in the abandoned warehouse.
8. The DIY enthusiast decided to dismember the old furniture to repurpose its parts.
9. The vulture swooped down to dismember its prey with its sharp beak.
10. The team of archaeologists carefully dismembered the ancient artifact for preservation.
11. The toy manufacturer warned against dismembering the small components as they could pose a choking hazard.
12. The dissection class had to dismember the frog to study its anatomy.
13. The chef demonstrated how to dismember the chicken for a flavorful dish.
14. The serial killer's gruesome acts involved attempting to dismember victims.
15. The chef needed to dismember the whole chicken for the recipe.
16. After the accident, they had to dismember the wreckage to clear the road.
17. Predators in the wild often dismember their prey to facilitate consumption.
18. The forensic expert had to dismember the remains to examine them thoroughly.
19. When dismantling the old machinery, they had to dismember it carefully.
20. The sculptor planned to dismember the large stone block into smaller sections.
21. Criminal organizations sometimes use acid to dismember evidence effectively.
22. Archaeologists cautiously dismembered the ancient artifacts for analysis.
23. During the autopsy, the pathologist had to dismember the body for examination.
24. In horror stories, monsters are known to dismember their victims in gruesome ways.