decontextualize

verb

de·​con·​tex·​tu·​al·​ize ˌdē-kən-ˈteks-chə-wə-ˌlīz How to pronounce decontextualize (audio)
-chə-ˌlīz,
-chü-ə-ˌlīz
decontextualized; decontextualizing; decontextualizes

transitive verb

: to remove from a context

Examples of decontextualize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Together, the two men did much to scramble, disassemble and decontextualize the melodic orthodoxies of hard bop. Morgan Enos, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2018 The exhibit also features photos by artist Simone Rosenbauer, whose graphic images decontextualize the Popsicle by placing it against a single-color background, rendering it a universal symbol. Sarah Nechamkin, The Cut, 9 July 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'decontextualize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of decontextualize was in 1977

Dictionary Entries Near decontextualize

Cite this Entry

“Decontextualize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decontextualize. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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