Disintegrate

To lose structural or functional cohesion; to break down into constituent parts or elements; to decompose or decay; to become fragmented or dispersed; to cease to exist as a unified whole. This process can be physical, as in the crumbling of a building, or metaphorical, as in the breakdown of a relationship. It often implies a loss of order, stability, and integrity. Disintegration can be caused by various forces, including physical impact, chemical reactions, decay, or the gradual erosion of elements that hold something together. The result is a state of disarray, separation, or dissolution.

Disintegrate meaning with examples

• Over time, the old wooden bridge began to disintegrate, with planks rotting and supports crumbling, eventually collapsing under its own weight. The harsh weather conditions accelerated its demise and the bridge was eventually closed for public safety due to the dangers it now imposed.
• The political coalition, fractured by internal disagreements, began to disintegrate as member parties withdrew support for key policies. The inability to compromise and differing visions for the future created tension and the coalition collapsed due to the inability to find common ground.
• The ancient scroll, exposed to the elements, slowly began to disintegrate; the fragile papyrus turned brittle and flaked away, making it difficult to decipher the remaining text. The careful preservation efforts were in a race against time to save any of the vital information.
• After years of neglect, the abandoned house began to disintegrate, its paint peeling, windows broken, and roof caving in. The forces of nature relentlessly wore away at the structure until it was barely recognizable from the home that was once standing in the neighborhood.
• The intense heat caused the meteorite to disintegrate as it entered the Earth's atmosphere, creating a spectacular, yet fleeting, display of light. The meteor burned up quickly due to the high temperatures generated by the friction of the atmosphere.