— demythologization , n. — demythologizer , n.
/dee'mi thol"euh juyz'/ , v. , demythologized, demythologizing .
v.t.
1. to divest of mythological or legendary attributes or forms, as in order to permit clearer appraisal and understanding: to demythologize the music dramas of Richard Wagner for modern listeners.
2. to make less mysterious or mythical so as to give a more human character to: to demythologize the presidency.
v.i.
3. to separate mythological, legendary, or apocryphal elements from a writing, work of art, historical figure, etc.
Also, esp. Brit., demythologise .
[ 1945-50; DE- + MYTHOLOGIZE ]