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

In deconstructing a genre, Shackleton by extension deconstructs his own film. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2025

Designers like Sacai, Amiri and Ami showcased unique approaches to deconstructing the traditional suit, incorporating individuality through thoughtful layering and styling. —Rhonda Richford, WWD, 27 Jan. 2025

Your film deconstructs the beauty myth or the Cinderella myth. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Jan. 2025

Questlove deconstructs how it was built on top of a Motown beat, with those blaring acid horns, that chorus of voices sounding like a barbershop quartet hovering in space then singing in startling unison, the whole song finding its meaning in the thumping sonic drive that somehow remained…light. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 1