Dismember vs. Remember — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 22, 2024
Dismember involves removing limbs or parts from a body, emphasizing physical separation, whereas remember focuses on recalling memories or past events, involving mental retrieval.
Difference Between Dismember and Remember
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Dismember refers to the act of cutting off the limbs or parts of a living being or object, a term often used in forensic and medical contexts. On the other hand, remember pertains to the mental process of recalling information, experiences, or people from the past.
While dismember is a physical and often violent action that results in the separation of parts from a whole, remember is a cognitive function that connects an individual with their past experiences without any physical alteration.
Dismember can be a deliberate act during procedures or in criminal contexts, involving tangible, physical changes. Conversely, remember involves accessing stored information in the brain, a non-physical action that can occur spontaneously or with effort.
In the usage of dismember, the subject generally performs an action on an external object or another being. Whereas in remember, the action is introspective, involving the subject’s own memory and thoughts.
The term dismember typically conveys negative connotations, associated with damage or destruction. Remember, however, usually has neutral or positive connotations, linked to learning, nostalgia, or routine memory functions.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To cut off the limbs or parts of a body or structure.
To recall to the mind by an act of memory.
Context
Medical, criminal, forensic.
Everyday use, psychological, educational.
Connotations
Generally negative, implies harm or violence.
Neutral or positive, linked to memory and nostalgia.
Action Type
Physical action on another object or being.
Cognitive action, internal to an individual.
Result
Physical separation of parts.
Mental retrieval of information or experiences.
Compare with Definitions
Dismember
To sever the limbs from the body.
The surgeon had to dismember the limb to prevent the spread of infection.
Remember
To bring to one's mind through memory.
I remember meeting you at the concert last year.
Dismember
To cut off parts of something.
The artist dismembered the statue to create a new artwork.
Remember
To keep in mind for attention or consideration.
Remember to lock the doors before you leave.
Dismember
To destroy the integrity of something by removing its parts.
The film was dismembered by heavy censorship.
Remember
To retain information in memory.
He remembers every word of the poem.
Dismember
To dismantle something.
The team dismembered the old car for parts.
Remember
To commemorate someone or something.
We gather here to remember those who served.
Dismember
To cut, tear, or pull off the limbs of.
Remember
To recall with effort or think of again.
She finally remembered the password to her email.
Dismember
To divide into pieces.
Remember
To recall to the mind with effort; think of again
I finally remembered the address.
Dismember
(transitive) To remove the limbs of.
Death by drawing and quartering usually dismembered the condemned person.
Remember
To have (something) arise in one's memory; become aware of (something) suddenly or spontaneously
Then I remembered that today is your birthday.
Dismember
(transitive) To cut or otherwise divide something into pieces.
The killer methodically dismembered the bodies of his victims.
The American Civil War nearly dismembered the Union.
Remember
To retain in the memory
Remember your appointment.
Dismember
To tear limb from limb; to dilacerate; to disjoin member from member; to tear or cut in pieces; to break up.
Fowls obscene dismembered his remains.
A society lacerated and dismembered.
By whose hands the blow should be struck which would dismember that once mighty empire.
Remember
To keep (someone) in mind as worthy of consideration or recognition.
Dismember
To deprive of membership.
They were dismembered by vote of the house.
Remember
To reward with a gift or tip
Remembered his niece in his will.
Dismember
Separate the limbs from the body;
The tiger dismembered the tourist
Remember
To give greetings from
Remember me to your family.
Dismember
Divide into pieces;
Our department was dismembered when our funding dried up
The Empire was discerped after the war
Remember
(Engineering) To return to (an original shape or form) after being deformed or altered. Used especially of certain materials.
Remember
(Archaic) To remind.
Remember
To have or use the power of memory.
Remember
To recall something; have a recollection.
Remember
To recall from one's memory; to have an image in one's memory.
Remember
To memorize; to put something into memory.
Please remember this formula!
Remember
To keep in mind, be mindful of
Remember what I've said.
Remember
To not forget (to do something required)
Remember to lock the door when you go out.
Remember
To convey greetings from.
Please remember me to your brother.
She asks to be remembered to you all.
Remember
(obsolete) To put in mind; to remind (also used reflexively)
Remember
(intransitive) To engage in the process of recalling memories.
You don't have to remind him; he remembers very well.
Remember
(transitive) To give (a person) money as a token of appreciation of past service or friendship.
My aunt remembered me in her will, leaving me several thousand pounds.
Remember
(transitive) to commemorate, to have a remembrance ceremony
Today we remember and honour those who have served.
Remember
(rare) re-member
Remember
To have (a notion or idea) come into the mind again, as previously perceived, known, or felt; to have a renewed apprehension of; to bring to mind again; to think of again; to recollect; as, I remember the fact; he remembers the events of his childhood; I cannot remember dates.
We are said to remember anything, when the idea of it arises in the mind with the consciousness that we have had this idea before.
Remember
To be capable of recalling when required; to keep in mind; to be continually aware or thoughtful of; to preserve fresh in the memory; to attend to; to think of with gratitude, affection, respect, or any other emotion.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
That they may have their wages duly paid 'em,And something over to remember me by.
Remember what I warn thee; shun to taste.
Remember
To put in mind; to remind; - also used reflexively and impersonally.
My friends remembered me of home.
Remember you of passed heaviness.
And well thou wost [knowest] if it remember thee.
Remember
To mention.
Remember
To recall to the mind of another, as in the friendly messages, remember me to him, he wishes to be remembered to you, etc.
Remember
To execise or have the power of memory; as, some remember better than others.
Remember
Recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection;
I can't remember saying any such thing
I can't think what her last name was
Can you remember her phone number?
Do you remember that he once loved you?
Call up memories
Remember
Keep in mind for attention or consideration;
Remember the Alamo
Remember to call your mother every day!
Think of the starving children in India!
Remember
Recapture the past; indulge in memories;
He remembered how he used to pick flowers
Remember
Show appreciation to;
He remembered her in his will
Remember
Mention favourably, as in prayer;
Remember me in your prayers
Remember
Mention as by way of greeting or to indicate friendship;
Remember me to your wife
Remember
Exercise, or have the power of, memory;
After the shelling, many people lost the ability to remember
Some remember better than others
Remember
Call to remembrance; keep alive the memory of someone or something, as in a ceremony;
We remembered the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz
Remember the dead of the First World War
Common Curiosities
Is it possible to remember something that never happened?
Yes, through the phenomenon of false memories, where individuals recall events differently from the way they happened or recall events that never occurred at all.
How does culture influence what we remember?
Culture shapes the contexts we find important and thus influences the memories we store and recall.
Can dismember be used metaphorically?
Yes, dismember can metaphorically describe taking apart any system or organization.
What types of tools are typically used to dismember?
Common tools include saws, knives, and other cutting instruments used in medical or forensic settings.
What is essential for a memory to be remembered?
Essential elements include attention during the event, relevance of the information, and frequent recollection.
Is dismemberment ever legally justified?
Yes, dismemberment can be legally justified in certain medical procedures such as amputation to prevent disease spread or in life-saving circumstances.
How does aging affect one's memory?
Aging can impact memory by slowing down cognitive processes and reducing the ability to store new information, although the extent varies widely among individuals.
What role does sleep play in memory?
Sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation, where memories from the day are processed and stored for long-term retrieval.
What does it mean to dismember a figure in art?
In art, dismembering a figure involves altering or removing parts of it to create a new expression or form.
What psychological effects can the act of dismembering have on a person?
Performing or witnessing dismemberment can lead to severe psychological trauma, including PTSD, especially in violent contexts.
Are there technologies or tools that aid in memory?
Yes, various technologies like apps for brain training, digital note-taking, and reminder systems can aid in enhancing and supporting memory.
Can dismemberment occur in nature?
Yes, certain predatory animals may dismember their prey to consume it more easily, and some species use self-dismemberment as a defense mechanism (e.g., some lizards detach their tails).
Can memories be intentionally erased or forgotten?
While it is not possible to intentionally erase memories without medical intervention, techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy can help in managing the impact of certain memories.
How does one improve their ability to remember?
Techniques to improve memory include practicing active recall, using mnemonic devices, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and engaging in regular mental exercises.
Is there a link between memory and emotions?
Yes, emotional experiences are often remembered more vividly due to the strong connections between emotion-processing and memory-forming areas in the brain.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
