debunk

[ dih-buhngk ]

verb (used with object)

1. to expose or excoriate (a claim, assertion, sentiment, etc.) as being pretentious, false, or exaggerated:

   to debunk advertising slogans.

   Synonyms: lampoon, ridicule, disparage

debunk

/ diːˈbʌŋk /

verb

1. informal.
   tr to expose the pretensions or falseness of, esp by ridicule

Derived Forms

• deˈbunker, noun

Other Words From

• de·bunker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of debunk¹

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25; de- + bunk ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of debunk¹

C20: from de- + bunk ²

Example Sentences

“Imagine you had to publish a debunking of the yeti in the yeti-hunting journal and the only people who peer review it are yeti experts,” he says.

From Science Magazine

While Kennedy has denied on several occasions that he is anti-vaccination and said he and his children are vaccinated, he has repeatedly stated widely debunked claims about vaccine harm.

From BBC

She added the men on the talk show "weren't sort of like debunking anything that I was saying", and said Mescal "completely gets" the issue as they have talked about it before.

From BBC

But as founder of the anti-vaccine group Children's Health Defense, Kennedy has for nearly two decades been airing debunked claims about jabs.

From BBC

However, some organisations and activists who promoted voter fraud allegations in the past continued to repeat debunked rumours even after the results became clear.

From BBC

Related Words

• demystify
• disparage
• mock
• puncture