disintegrate

Everyday

1. To break into many small pieces and fall apart. tree →
2. To become weaker and stop working as a whole, like a team, plan or friendship. tree →

In the lessons

In science, rocks, meteors and old paper disintegrate; in space, a meteor disintegrates as it burns in the air; in stories, a group or plan can disintegrate; phrases: «disintegrate into pieces», «slowly disintegrating».

Examples

• The old book was so dry that it disintegrated in my hands. tree →
• The meteor disintegrated in the atmosphere. tree →
• Wet paper soon disintegrates. tree →
• The sandcastle disintegrated when the wave hit it. tree →
• Their friendship disintegrated after the argument. tree →
• Leaves disintegrate on the forest floor and make soil. tree →
• The rocket disintegrated in a flash of light. tree →

Note

Regular verb. Noun: disintegration. Similar: crumble, fall apart, break up. Opposite: come together, integrate.