disable

UK: dɪsˈeɪbəl | US: dɪsˈeɪbəl

Definition
  1. vt. to deprive of capability or effectiveness, especially physically or mentally

  2. vt. to make legally incapable; disqualify

  3. adj. (archaic) lacking ability; incapable

Structure
dis <negative prefix>able <capable>
Etymology

The word "disable" combines the prefix "dis-" (from Latin, meaning "apart" or "negation") with "able" (from Latin "habilis," meaning "capable"). Originally, "able" referred to physical or mental capacity, and adding "dis-" inverted the meaning to "deprive of ability." Over time, it expanded to include legal disqualification (e.g., "disabled from voting"). The prefix "dis-" is prolific in English, often reversing the root's meaning (e.g., "disagree," "disconnect").

Examples
  1. The injury may disable him permanently.

  2. The law does not disable minorities from voting.

  3. Older versions of the software disable this feature.

  4. The virus can disable critical system functions.

  5. She refused to let chronic pain disable her ambitions.