deconstruct

verb

de·​con·​struct ˌdē-kən-ˈstrəkt How to pronounce deconstruct (audio)
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 rightWayne 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 classicsVogue
4
: destroy, demolish
nations that are deconstructing themselvesJim Hoagland
deconstructive adjective
deconstructor noun

Examples of deconstruct in a Sentence

deconstructing the economic theories of John Maynard Keynes
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With nothing short of piercing honesty, Barron confronts cancel culture, deconstructing the overly simplistic and punitive dynamics that dominate much of today's social discourse. Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024 As a result, American Robot confronts his religious traumas and complex family structures to deconstruct the story of American exceptionalism and upholster the founding hopes of its culture. Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024 Such authors are always, in their work, deconstructing stable ideas of the self. Oscar Schwartz, The New Yorker, 27 Nov. 2024 The concert-sized stage that was being erected on the southern end of Milwaukee's Veterans Park on Thursday appeared to be deconstructed Friday before ever being used. Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deconstruct 

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deconstruct was in 1973

Dictionary Entries Near deconstruct

Cite this Entry

“Deconstruct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deconstruct. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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