disable Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb make unable to perform a certain action
    disenable; incapacitate.
    • disable this command on your computer
  2. verb injure permanently
    handicap; incapacitate; invalid.
    • He was disabled in a car accident

WordNet

Dis*a"ble adjective
Definitions
  1. Lacking ability; unable. Obs. "Our disable and unactive force." Daniel.
Dis*a"ble transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Disabled ; present participle & verbal noun Disabling
Definitions
  1. To render unable or incapable; to destroy the force, vigor, or power of action of; to deprive of competent physical or intellectual power; to incapacitate; to disqualify; to make incompetent or unfit for service; to impair.
    A Christian's life is a perpetual exercise, a wrestling and warfare, for which sensual pleasure disables him. Jer. Taylor.
    And had performed it, if my known offense Had not disabled me. Milton.
    I have disabled mine estate. Shak.
  2. (Law) To deprive of legal right or qualification; to render legally incapable.
    An attainder of the ancestor corrupts the blood, and disables his children to inherit. Blackstone.
  3. To deprive of that which gives value or estimation; to declare lacking in competency; to disparage; to undervalue. Obs. "He disabled my judgment." Shak. Syn. -- To weaken; unfit; disqualify; incapacitate.

Webster 1913