dismast: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowNautical; technical; literary
Quick answer
What does “dismast” mean?
To remove or break the mast(s) from a ship or boat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To remove or break the mast(s) from a ship or boat.
To deprive a sailing vessel of its mast, typically as a result of damage from storm, battle, or accident, rendering it unable to sail properly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
Conveys catastrophic damage, defeat in naval warfare, or the power of a storm.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general usage, but would be understood in nautical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “dismast” in a Sentence
[Ship/Storm/Battle] dismasted [Ship].[Ship] was dismasted by [Agent].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dismast” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The gale-force winds threatened to dismast the classic schooner.
- Historical records show the flagship was dismasted by a lucky shot.
American English
- The hurricane dismasted several boats in the marina.
- The privateer dismasted the merchant vessel to force its surrender.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- The dismasted hulk was towed into harbour for repairs.
- They sailed past the dismasted wreck.
American English
- The dismasted sloop was taking on water.
- Search parties found the dismasted lifeboat adrift.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical or nautical studies (e.g., 'The frigate was dismasted during the engagement at Trafalgar').
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used in sailing reports, marine insurance, and boatyard terminology to describe severe rigging damage.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dismast”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dismast”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dismast”
- Confusing it with 'dismiss' or 'disgust'. Using it for non-nautical contexts (e.g., 'The storm dismasted the house' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is specific to vessels that rely on masts and sails. A motorboat has no mast to lose.
No, it is a low-frequency, highly specialised nautical term. Most people will encounter it only in historical fiction, sailing literature, or technical reports.
'Dismast' means to break or remove the mast; the vessel may still be afloat but unable to sail properly. 'Sink' means to go below the surface of the water.
Yes, though rarely. It can metaphorically describe something being stripped of its central support or driving force (e.g., 'The scandal dismasted his political campaign').
To remove or break the mast(s) from a ship or boat.
Dismast is usually nautical; technical; literary in register.
Dismast: in British English it is pronounced /dɪsˈmɑːst/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪsˈmæst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be left dismasted and rudderless.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIS- (remove) + MAST (of a ship). The ship is 'dis-masted', stripped of its mast.
Conceptual Metaphor
To be dismasted is to be stripped of one's power, stability, and means of progress; used metaphorically for being rendered helpless or incapacitated.
Practice
Quiz
What does it mean if a ship is 'dismasted'?