deconstruct

de·con·struct

transitive verb \ˌdē-kən-ˈstrəkt\

Definition of DECONSTRUCT

1

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

2

: to take apart or examine in order to reveal the basis or composition of 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>

— de·con·struc·tive \-tiv\ adjective

— de·con·struc·tor \-tər\ noun

Examples of DECONSTRUCT

1. <deconstructing the economic theories of John Maynard Keynes>

First Known Use of DECONSTRUCT

1973

Related to DECONSTRUCT

Synonyms

anatomize, assay, break down, cut, analyze, dissect

Related Words

assess, diagnose, evaluate, examine, inspect, investigate, scrutinize; arrange, assort, catalog (or catalogue), categorize, classify, codify, diagram, enumerate, index, order, schematize, sort, tabulate; divide, reduce, segment, separate, subdivide

Near Antonyms

agglomerate, aggregate, amalgamate, assimilate, coalesce, conglomerate, consolidate, integrate, synthesize, unify

Rhymes with DECONSTRUCT

aqueduct, reconstruct, self-destruct, usufruct, viaduct