deconstruct

verb

de·​con·​struct ˌdē-kən-ˈstrəkt 

deconstructed; deconstructing; deconstructs

transitive verb

1

: to examine (something, such as a work of literature) using the methods of deconstruction

2

: to take apart or examine (something) in order to reveal the basis or composition often with the intention of exposing biases, flaws, or inconsistencies

deconstruct the myths of both the left and the right

—Wayne Karlin

3

: to adapt or separate the elements of for use in an ironic or radically new way

uses his masterly tailoring skills to deconstruct the classics

—Vogue

4

: destroy, demolish

nations that are deconstructing themselves

—Jim Hoagland

deconstructive

ˌdē-kən-ˈstrək-tiv 

adjective

deconstructor

ˌdē-kən-ˈstrək-tər 

noun

Synonyms

• analyze
• anatomize
• assay
• break down
• cut
• dissect

Examples of deconstruct in a Sentence

deconstructing the economic theories of John Maynard Keynes

Recent Examples on the Web

Rose deconstructs the slasher formula and rebuilds it around themes of race, privilege, and taboo relationships. —Meagan Navarro, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024

The film importantly deconstructs the origins of the homophobic discourse but also explores the depth and complexity of belonging to one’s hometown. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 30 Oct. 2024

This searing manual deconstructs the subgenre and the process that goes into contributing to it, bringing the study thereof into a whole new era of experimentation and boundary dissolution. —Tyler Thier, JSTOR Daily, 21 Oct. 2024

This latest literary attempt at deconstructing Lake Powell published the same month that the last of four dams on the Klamath River in Oregon came down as part of the nation's largest-ever dam removal project. —Joan Meiners, The Arizona Republic, 16 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 1