deconstruction

de·con·struc·tion

noun \ˌdē-kən-ˈstrək-shən\

Definition of DECONSTRUCTION

1

: a philosophical or critical method which asserts that meanings, metaphysical constructs, and hierarchical oppositions (as between key terms in a philosophical or literary work) are always rendered unstable by their dependence on ultimately arbitrary signifiers; also : an instance of the use of this method <a deconstruction of the nature–culture opposition in Rousseau's work>

2

: the analytic examination of something (as a theory) often in order to reveal its inadequacy

Examples of DECONSTRUCTION

1. <a lengthy deconstruction of the president's speech by a panel of pundits>

Origin of DECONSTRUCTION

French déconstruction, from dé- de- + construction

First Known Use: 1973

Related to DECONSTRUCTION

Synonyms: anatomizing, anatomy, assay, breakdown, analysis, dissection

Related Words: assessment, diagnosis, evaluation, examination, inspection, investigation, muster, scrutiny; arrangement, assortment, cataloging (or cataloguing), categorization, classification, codification, indexing; enumeration, inventory, itemization, tabulation; division, reduction, segmentation, separation, subdivision

Near Antonyms: agglomeration, aggregation, amalgamation, assimilation, coalescence, conglomeration, consolidation, integration, synthesis, unification

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Rhymes with DECONSTRUCTION

introduction, liposuction, mass production, reconstruction, reproduction, self-destruction