deconstruct

verb

de·​con·​struct ˌdē-kən-ˈstrəkt How to pronounce deconstruct (audio)
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 rightWayne 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 classicsVogue
4
: destroy, demolish
nations that are deconstructing themselvesJim Hoagland
deconstructive adjective
deconstructor noun

Examples of deconstruct in a Sentence

deconstructing the economic theories of John Maynard Keynes
Recent Examples on the Web The show was an ode to the corporate commute, as models walked a bus turned runway in asymmetrical blazers and deconstructed button-ups. Channing Smith, Glamour, 4 Mar. 2024 Consider the tasks that consume your workweek and deconstruct them into individual components. William Arruda, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024 Welcome to Mind in Bloom, a column deconstructing current events, music and art. Hazlitt, 24 Jan. 2024 Last fall, the Jackson House was carefully deconstructed in Selma, Ala., and made a 1,060-mile journey to Michigan. Liz Kellar, Detroit Free Press, 26 Feb. 2024 Madewell Satin Cutaway Vest Top The French are notorious for deconstructing fashion for looks that come off as more androgynous. Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2024 This season at Copenhagen Fashion Week, the pair presented their first collection of bold pieces made by deconstructing the businessman’s uniform. Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2024 Winnie New York Winnie New York founded by Idris Balogun in 2018 is on a mission to deconstruct luxury. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 16 Jan. 2024 The first and smallest dam, Copco 2, was already deconstructed this past autumn, and the rest are slated for removal this year. Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Jan. 2024

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

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deconstruct was in 1973

Dictionary Entries Near deconstruct

Cite this Entry

“Deconstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deconstruct. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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