deconstruct

/ˈdikənˌstrʌkt/

/dikənˈstrʌkt/

Other forms: deconstructed; deconstructing; deconstructs

To deconstruct a piece of writing or a work of art is to analyze it by carefully examining its ideas and language, especially to expose its contradictions and hidden meanings.

An English professor can show you how to deconstruct a novel or poem, deciphering its individual parts, pulling them apart, and scrutinizing them for deeper meaning. Proving that a written text isn't what it initially seems to be is one goal of someone who deconstructs in this way — a graduate student might deconstruct "The Wizard of Oz," for example, and declare that it's actually an allegory for nineteenth century economics, rather than a children's story.

Definitions of deconstruct

1. verb

   interpret (a text or an artwork) by the method of deconstructing
   type of:

   interpret, rede

   give an interpretation or explanation to