: 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 classicsVogue
deconstructing the economic theories of John Maynard Keynes
Recent Examples on the WebThe English writer and director Terence Davies’s previous film was A Quiet Passion, a stirring biopic of the poet Emily Dickinson that strove to deconstruct her caricaturization as a batty recluse. David Sims, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2022 While eaters are allowed to deconstruct the hot dog, or eat the bun and meat separately, the corresponding parts have to be consumed in order for the number to count toward the totals. Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE.com, 1 July 2022 What she's done to completely deconstruct her character, and the lack of vanity that she's had to get to the emotional truth of this character has just been phenomenal and staggering to watch. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 15 June 2022 In 2020, an initiative launched to bring together women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) from the DRC into a network to deconstruct stereotypes about women and science. Faustine Ngila, Quartz, 8 June 2022 Agricultural Council of Arkansas Executive Vice President and Director Andrew Grobmyer said the goal is not to deconstruct the current Farm Bill, but to build upon it. Cristina Larue, Arkansas Online, 18 June 2022 With a multi-ingredient dish like that, take the fancy restaurant approach and deconstruct it. Susan Shain, Washington Post, 18 May 2022 Sikander’s anti-nostalgic relationship to the manuscript tradition allows her to both advance and deconstruct its idioms. Naib Mian, The New Yorker, 1 June 2022 His company removed Confederate monuments in Charlottesville, including the Lee statue there, and quietly whisked away other iconography outside Virginia before returning to Richmond to deconstruct the pedestals on which the statues once sat.New York Times, 17 Apr. 2022 See More