Disables

Disables is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb disable. It means to cause something to stop functioning, render it inoperative, or deprive someone of the ability to perform a task. The action can be intentional, such as turning off a feature in software or switching off a device, or it can result from an incident that interrupts operation.

Etymology and related forms: Disable derives from Old French desabler, meaning to deprive of ability, from des- (not) + habil (able), with habil from Latin habilis “able.” Related terms include disablement (a noun form) and disability, which refers to a condition that limits a person’s abilities.

Usage and contexts: In technology, to disable a function or account is common phrasing, as in “The administrator disables the feature for all users.” In safety and maintenance contexts, disabling a device or system temporarily is a standard precaution. In general writing, disables can describe actions by a person or process that prevent others from performing a task or accessing a resource. It is a transitive verb, taking a direct object (for example, a feature, an account, or a device).

Distinctions: The adjective disabled describes someone who has a disability, or a device that has been rendered inoperative. The verb disable is distinct from enable, which means to provide the ability or restorer function.

See also: disable, disabled, disability, disablement.