deconstruct

verb

de·​con·​struct ˌdē-kən-ˈstrəkt 

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 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

deconstructive

ˌdē-kən-ˈstrək-tiv 

adjective

deconstructor

ˌdē-kən-ˈstrək-tər 

noun

Synonyms

• analyze
• anatomize
• assay
• break down
• cut
• dissect

Example Sentences

deconstructing the economic theories of John Maynard Keynes

Recent Examples on the Web

Aided by a Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra, the musician and video producer will effectively deconstruct a song live, offering viewers an in-depth look into his unique creation process. —Ali Szubiak, Billboard, 20 Mar. 2023

In a few months, the pastry chef will release another collection of cakes and pastries that deconstruct the monogram in edible form, this time with the flavors of spring: rhubarb and strawberry. —Vivian Song, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2023

These were contextualized within six categories that allowed the visitors to deconstruct various facets of his engagement with sneakers as objects of design; The Ten, Chicago, Flight School, Skate, Black Canon, and Experimentation. —Luke Leitch, Vogue, 1 Dec. 2022

Editors: Robin Chan • Executive producers: Anjanette Delgado, Kirkland Crawford On this episode: This week, Bryce and Omari deconstruct James Wiseman's Detroit Pistons debut. —Kirkland Crawford, Detroit Free Press, 21 Feb. 2023

The apex is European on each triangle (don’t deconstruct that!), with African to the bottom left and Amerindian to the bottom right. —Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 25 Feb. 2011

The acronym is reminiscent of former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon’s vow to deconstruct the administrative state. —George Michael, The Conversation, 27 July 2022

Musically at the time, around 1973, my interest was to deconstruct what was considered rock and roll. —Vulture, 12 Apr. 2022

MythBusters, the Discovery Channel series that uses scientific method to deconstruct and debunk urban legends, is giving museumgoers the chance to join the program’s hyperkinetic quest for truth. —Valerie Ross, Discover Magazine, 30 May 2012

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Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 1