deconstruct
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
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to apply the theories of deconstruction to (a text, film, etc)
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to expose or dismantle the existing structure in (a system, organization, etc)
Etymology
Origin of deconstruct
Apparently back formation from deconstruction
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Mr. Enrigue feels called upon to deconstruct the genre of the western, even if that means undermining the excellent story in his own novel.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026
Jenkins went on to deconstruct Hollywood’s vision of the Black diaspora in experimental video compositions including “Mass of Images,” which incorporates clips from D.W.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026
It was shut down in 2022 and sold to Holtec, which was expected to deconstruct the buildings and store the nuclear waste.
From Barron's • Feb. 9, 2026
“The fact the tariffs have come down is giving retailers pause when they consider a deconstruct, as they have to balance ‘shelf appeal’ against value or cost increases,” Foreman said.
From MarketWatch • Jan. 8, 2026
Without saying a word to one another, we started to deconstruct each of our city sections by chunks and bricks.
From "The Stars Beneath Our Feet" by David Barclay Moore
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
