: 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.
a lengthy deconstruction of the president's speech by a panel of pundits
Recent Examples on the WebBut the price for this is the constant deconstruction of conventional education, and endless devotion. Lise Pedersen, Variety, 15 Mar. 2022 In extended sequences worthy of Popular Mechanics deconstruction, Mike would systematically take apart a mysterious device or construct one. Dan Snierson, EW.com, 17 Aug. 2022 This deconstruction of a watch is a horological dream for collectors and is a time-consuming project, but the site has been highly successful. Roberta Naas, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2021 Most cities, Portland included, have targeted old buildings for deconstruction. Aarian Marshall, Wired, 22 Feb. 2022 Bezos will pay for the deconstruction of the bridge, according to the outlet, Dutch News reported. Gabriela Miranda, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2022 After reading Clover, and her deconstruction of the horror film protagonist known as the Final Girl, those reasons come into focus. Lesley Finn, Longreads, 7 July 2022 Add deconstruction to the list of Schiaparelli innovations. Laird Borrelli-persson, Vogue, 1 July 2022 French architect and designer Jean-Marie Massaud reinterpreted the classic Le Club chair from a bulky form into a light and comfortable deconstruction for Poliform. Damon Johnstun, oregonlive, 26 May 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
French déconstruction, from dé- de- + construction