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

This brand of idiom deconstruction and crisp sound became a hallmark of Jones’ work from this point forward. —A.d. Amorosi, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024

At medium doses, that vivid picture of the world begins to dissolve into classically psychedelic imagery: swirling geometric patterns, flashing colors and shapes, and a general deconstruction of ordinary perception into chaos. —Oshan Jarow, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024

The film is at once a tribute, pastiche and deconstruction of Hollywood musicals. —Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024

The gradual deconstruction of Fitbit as a nominally independent force within wearables continues, with the Fitbit store website set to close down within days. —Andrew Williams, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French déconstruction, from dé- de- + construction

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 1