deconstruction

noun

de·​con·​struc·​tion ˌdē-kən-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce deconstruction (audio)
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.

Examples of deconstruction in a Sentence

a lengthy deconstruction of the president's speech by a panel of pundits
Recent Examples on the Web While ease and simplicity remains at the core of the brand, Li experiments with proportion, deconstruction, and couture-leaning silhouettes. Madeline Fass, Vogue, 26 Sep. 2024 Decidedly not for everyone, this sitcom deconstruction quickly gained a reputation for its gonzo shock value and outright mocking of Christianity. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2024 Some of the deconstruction work had been completed when the Hawaii Court of Appeals issued a temporary injunction earlier this year. Lilit Marcus, CNN, 9 Sep. 2024 What's next after the dams come down The final deconstruction, including some remaining riverside infrastructure, is slated to be completed by the end of September. Debra Utacia Krol, USA TODAY, 2 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deconstruction 

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

Word History

Etymology

French déconstruction, from dé- de- + construction

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deconstruction was in 1973

Dictionary Entries Near deconstruction

Cite this Entry

“Deconstruction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deconstruction. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

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