Standard Lemma guide

demythologize

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To remove the mythological elements of.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • Near-synonym: euhemerize (demythologizing sense)
  • Archaeological evidence has demythologized some parts of the Bible.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: demyth, euhemerize

Antonyms: mythologize, euhemerize

2

verb

Meaning 2

remove the mythical element from (writings)

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • the Bible should be demythologized and examined for its historical value

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: demythologise

Antonyms: mythologize

Broader terms: change, alter, modify

History

Etymology

From de- + mythologize.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: entmythologisieren — 1. To remove the mythological elements
  • Swedish: avmytologisera — 1. To remove the mythological elements