deconstruction

noun

de·​con·​struc·​tion ˌdē-kən-ˈstrək-shən 

1

: a philosophical or critical method which asserts that meanings, metaphysical constructs, and hierarchical oppositions (as between key terms in a philosophical or literary work) are always rendered unstable by their dependence on ultimately arbitrary signifiers

also : an instance of the use of this method

a deconstruction of the nature–culture opposition in Rousseau's work

2

: the analytic examination of something (such as a theory) often in order to reveal its inadequacy

Did you know?

Deconstruction doesn't actually mean "demolition;" instead it means "breaking down" or analyzing something (especially the words in a work of fiction or nonfiction) to discover its true significance, which is supposedly almost never exactly what the author intended. A feminist may deconstruct an old novel to show how even an innocent-seeming story somehow depends on the oppression of women. A new western may deconstruct the myths of the old West and show lawmen as vicious and criminals as flawed but decent. Table manners, The Sound of Music, and cosmetics ads have all been the subjects of deconstructionist analysis. Of course, not everyone agrees with deconstructionist interpretations, and some people reject the whole idea of deconstruction, but most of us have run into it by now even if we didn't realize it.

Synonyms

• analysis
• anatomizing
• anatomy
• assay
• breakdown
• dissection

Examples of deconstruction in a Sentence

a lengthy deconstruction of the president's speech by a panel of pundits

Recent Examples on the Web

The Greek director Christos Nikou’s first English-language feature is neither a sci-fi parable with a body-horror bent nor a deconstruction of the romantic comedy. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 7 Nov. 2023

Although there is a reversible skirt and a pair of boots that can be adapted with zippers, the deconstruction engaged in here was mostly playful and conceptual. —Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2023

Their wanton deconstruction to obtain the stone for other purposes using the power of fossil fuels (gasoline and diesel fuel for machines) was something Robert Frost didn’t see coming. —Robert Thorson, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Nov. 2023

The beauty industry has a lot to answer for in the deconstruction of women’s bodies too. —Chloe Laws, Allure, 30 Nov. 2023

Playing in a record 47th Grand Slam semifinal, Djokovic executed the sort of tactical deconstruction of Shelton that has crushed the dreams and good vibes and flash that so many younger players have come at him with before. —Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2023

Frausto asked another hairstylist who was busy at work braiding at the start of our backstage interview, keeping with the deconstruction and subtle chaos that are hallmarks of Collina Strada’s runway beauty looks. —Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 9 Sep. 2023

An early influence on Dr. Markowitz was 18th century Scottish philosopher David Hume and his deconstruction of predictive results. —Brian Murphy, Washington Post, 28 June 2023

That has changed some with the truly terrible series Doomsday Clock, which not only tried to serve as a sequel to seminal superhero deconstruction Watchmen, but also revealed that the true catalyst for the New 52 reboot world was not Barry Allen, but rather Doctor Manhattan. —Joe George, Men's Health, 15 June 2023

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Word History

Etymology

French déconstruction, from dé- de- + construction

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 1