deconstruct

American  

[dee-kuhn-struhkt] / ˌdi kənˈstrʌkt /

verb (used with object)

1. to break down into constituent parts; dissect; dismantle.

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deconstruct British  

/ ˌdiːkənˈstrʌkt /

verb

1. to apply the theories of deconstruction to (a text, film, etc)

2. to expose or dismantle the existing structure in (a system, organization, etc)

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Etymology

Origin of deconstruct

Apparently back formation from deconstruction

Example Sentences

Mind you, this is the same influencer who went viral for making a “deconstructed salad,” which is essentially a whole romaine leaf dressed in lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.

From Salon

With Club Gay Gardens, she and Torres sought to deconstruct that archetype.

From Los Angeles Times

Vought’s long-term goals, he says, are to “bend or break the bureaucracy to the presidential will” and “deconstruct the administrative state.”

From Los Angeles Times

For decades, Wylie Dufresne worked at the cutting edge of haute cuisine, dreaming up high-concept dishes like deconstructed eggs Benedict or cubes of aerated foie gras.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I grew up deconstructing everything I was getting from the West, including Hollywood movies.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• interpret