dismast
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To remove or break the mast of a ship: "dismast" means to deprive a vessel of its mast(s), either by intentional removal or by accident (e.g., during a storm or battle).
Usage Examples
- (The storm broke or tore away the ship's mast.)
- (They intentionally removed the mast to stabilize the ship.)
- (The cannon fire destroyed the mast of the opposing ship.)
Advanced Usage
- "to be dismasted": to have one's mast(s) broken or removed, often as a passive construction.
- The ship was dismasted during the hurricane and had to be towed to port. (The mast was lost due to the storm.)
- "dismasting" (noun): the act or event of losing a mast.
- The dismasting occurred suddenly when the rigging snapped. (The mast was lost unexpectedly.)
Variants and Related Words
- Mast (n): a tall, vertical pole on a ship that supports the sails.
- The ship's main mast was made of solid oak. (The central pole holding the largest sail.)
- Masted (adj): having a mast or masts.
- A three-masted schooner sailed into the harbor. (A ship with three masts.)
Synonyms
- Unmast: to remove a mast (less common but equivalent).
- They unmasted the boat for repairs. (They took down the mast.)
- Dismantle: to take apart or remove equipment (broader term, not specific to masts).
- The crew dismantled the rigging after dismasting the ship. (They removed the ropes and sails.)
Phrasal Verbs
- None directly related to "dismast," but note: "take down" (to remove a mast manually).
- They took down the mast before entering the low bridge. (They dismasted the ship deliberately.)
Related Idioms
- None specific to "dismast," but nautical idiom: "to be dismasted" is used literally in maritime contexts.
- The captain said, "We are dismasted and must call for rescue." (The ship has lost its mast.)
Additional Notes
- "Dismast" is a specialized nautical term, rarely used outside of sailing, naval history, or ship repair contexts. It is not commonly applied to non-maritime structures.