demythologize

verb

de·​my·​thol·​o·​gize ˌdē-mi-ˈthä-lə-ˌjīz How to pronounce demythologize (audio)
demythologized; demythologizing; demythologizes

transitive verb

1
: to divest of mythological forms in order to uncover the meaning underlying them
demythologize the Gospels
2
: to divest of mythical elements or associations
demythologization noun
demythologizer noun

Examples of demythologize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Among the legendary moments Pearlman demythologizes: the time Jackson broke a bat over his head after grounding out to Brewers pitcher Jay Aldrich at Milwaukee County Stadium. Chris Foran, Journal Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2023 Coe wants to compassionately demythologize Jones, and thoroughly. Sarah Larson, The New Yorker, 4 May 2021 The result is that these people aren't really demythologizing him at all. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Apr. 2018 Ruinous imperialist campaigns sharpened Euripides’ demythologizing mockery. Charles McNulty, latimes.com, 8 Sep. 2017 Both writers are intent on demythologizing the American West, retaining the best of the frontier spirit—the self-reliance, the stoicism, the taciturn wit—while conjuring its worst aspects. Mary Kaye Schilling, Newsweek, 28 July 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'demythologize.' 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

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of demythologize was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near demythologize

Cite this Entry

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

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