demystify

American  

[dee-mis-tuh-fahy] / diˈmɪs təˌfaɪ /

verb (used with object)

demystified, demystifying

1. to rid of mystery or obscurity; clarify.

   to demystify medical procedures.

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demystify British  

/ diːˈmɪstɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to remove the mystery from; make clear

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Other Word Forms

• demystification
  noun
• demystifier
  noun

Etymology

Origin of demystify

First recorded in 1960–65; de- + mystify

Explanation

To demystify something is to make it much easier to understand or see. Your favorite math teacher might be the one who manages to demystify calculus for you. When you demystify things, you remove any mystery or secrecy connected with them. You might feel the need to demystify complicated or difficult ideas, subjects, or tasks. A car repair class can demystify the idea of working on your own engine, and traveling to France often helps language learners demystify the French language. To mystify is to bewilder or perplex, from the Latin root mysticus, "mystical, mystic, or secret."

Example Sentences

Demystify MBS: We expect mortgage-backed securities that are not guaranteed by the government to be a solid performer in 2014.

From Washington Post • Dec. 21, 2013

Related Words

• disparage
• mock
• puncture