demythologize

verb

de·​my·​thol·​o·​gize ˌdē-mi-ˈthä-lə-ˌjīz How to pronounce demythologize (audio)
demythologized; demythologizing; demythologizes

transitive verb

1
: to divest of mythological forms in order to uncover the meaning underlying them
demythologize the Gospels
2
: to divest of mythical elements or associations
demythologization
ˌdē-mi-ˌthä-lə-jə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce demythologize (audio)
noun
demythologizer
ˌdē-mi-ˈthä-lə-ˌjī-zər How to pronounce demythologize (audio)
noun

Examples of demythologize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The result is that these people aren't really demythologizing him at all. — Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Apr. 2018 The effect is to demythologize Brontë. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026 Coe wants to compassionately demythologize Jones, and thoroughly. — Sarah Larson, The New Yorker, 4 May 2021 Both writers are intent on demythologizing the American West, retaining the best of the frontier spirit—the self-reliance, the stoicism, the taciturn wit—while conjuring its worst aspects. — Mary Kaye Schilling, Newsweek, 28 July 2017 Ruinous imperialist campaigns sharpened Euripides’ demythologizing mockery. — Charles McNulty, latimes.com, 8 Sep. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of demythologize was in 1950

Rhymes for demythologize

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Browse Nearby Words

demystify
demythologize
den
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Demythologize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demythologize. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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