deconstruct

de·con·struct | \ ˌdē-kən-ˈstrəkt

deconstructed; deconstructing; deconstructs

Definition of deconstruct

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

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Examples of deconstruct in a Sentence

deconstructing the economic theories of John Maynard Keynes

Recent Examples on the Web Malcolm Gladwell examines pop culture to deconstruct human behavior. — Chris Barton, Los Angeles Times, "Review: What do Bernie Madoff and Sylvia Plath have in common? Malcolm Gladwell explains," 7 Sep. 2019 Once all of the canisters are filled, Edison would be cleared to deconstruct most of the existing infrastructure, including the existing cooling pools, and complete the decommissioning process. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "San Onofre owners, contractor and regulators face new lawsuit over fuel storage plan," 30 Aug. 2019 Whitman deconstructs a slave-auction scene in order to assert human equality. — Nr Editors, National Review, "Letters," 22 Aug. 2019 The inventor deconstructs a piece of active equipment after each battle to give her a special bonus ability for the next battle, and the witch has to construct a spellbook to use during battle. — Aaron Zimmerman, Ars Technica, "Dicey Dungeons review: Well, there goes another 100 hours of my life," 20 Aug. 2019 When thinking about incorporating suiting into your wardrobe, look for inspiration among the street style set who deconstructed these staples of Wall Street and made them into something worthy of a double-take. — Madeline Fass, Vogue, "5 Ways To Wear Alternative Suiting Like the Street Style Crew at New York Fashion Week," 13 Sep. 2019 That’s all thanks to the third element that the new production of Oklahoma has deconstructed: the musical’s script. — Aja Romano, Vox, "The new Oklahoma! is a sexy, shocking revival for our times," 2 July 2019 Here, in addition to so much else, the very act of watching a movie is deconstructed. — David Mermelstein, WSJ, "‘Ingmar Bergman’s Cinema’ Review: On Blu-ray, Scenes From a Master," 4 Dec. 2018 Try opting for a thicker white skirt, like this deconstructed utilitarian cotton midi from Free People. — Kami Phillips, CNN Underscored, "10 white styles you should totally wear after Labor Day," 29 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'deconstruct.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.