decontextualize

American  

[dee-kuhn-teks-choo-uh-lahyz] / ˌdi kənˈtɛks tʃu əˌlaɪz /

verb (used with object)

decontextualized, decontextualizing

1. to remove (a linguistic element, an action, etc.) from a context.

   decontextualized works of art displayed in museums.

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Other Word Forms

• decontextualization
  noun

Etymology

Origin of decontextualize

First recorded in 1975–80; de- + contextualize

Example Sentences

“They can also decontextualize dishes, leading to a warped understanding in the public opinion of what exactly a dish is.”

From Salon • Feb. 24, 2024

The framing is yet another example of how anti-vaxxers repeatedly decontextualize information to fit an anti-vaccine agenda.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2023

Furthermore, the idealistic and notably diverse group of undergrads is implicitly held responsible for polarizing the campus climate with its quickness to decontextualize classroom content on social media.

From Slate • Aug. 20, 2021

In order to address this broader problem, Brandt deliberately set out, in “Inherit the Dust,” to decontextualize his wildlife photographs.

From The New Yorker • Mar. 6, 2016

Second, online comparisons like this decontextualize the problem of harassment, as though a connection to what happens offline is trivial or inconsequential.

From Time • Sep. 9, 2014