I posted a similar question: Android - How to disable Search button, how to implement onSearchRequested()? But at that time I was not very sure what I was looking for. But this time I'll be very specific.
What I am NOT looking for is: How I can use the dialog builder to disable the search button. This has been answered.
What I AM looking for is: How can I use the onSearchRequested() method to permanently disable the search button. Please take a look here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lekcH1JAf0&feature=youtu.be for further elaboration.
In regards to this method, google states the following: "You can override this function to force global search, e.g. in response to a dedicated search key, or to block search entirely (by simply returning false)". Here is the link: http://developer.android.com/reference/android/app/Activity.html#onSearchRequested%28%29