Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Disable
Dis-a′ble
,Adj.
Lacking ability; unable.
[Obs.]
“Our disable and unactive force.” Daniel.
Dis-a′ble
(?; 277)
, Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Disabled
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Disabling
.] 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
Had not
disabled
me. Milton.
I have
disabled
mine estate. Shakespeare
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.
Syn. – To weaken; unfit; disqualify; incapacitate.
Webster 1828 Edition
Disable
DISABLE
,Verb.
T.
1.
To render unable; to deprive of competent natural strength or power. A man is disabled to walk by a broken or paralytic leg, by sickness, &c.2.
To deprive of mental power, as by destroying or weakening the understanding. 3.
To deprive of adequate means, instruments or resources. A nation may be disabled to carry on war by want of money. The loss of a ship may disable a man to prosecute commerce, or to pay his debts.4.
To destroy the strength; or to weaken and impair so as to render incapable of action, service or resistance. A fleet is disabled by a storm, or by a battle. A ship is disabled by the loss of her masts or spars.5.
To destroy or impair and weaken the means which render any thing active, efficacious or useful; to destroy or diminish any competent means.6.
To deprive of legal qualifications, or competent power; to incapacitate; to render incapable.An attainder of the ancestor corrupts the blood and disables his children to inherit.