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

The whirlwind of claims spreading online poses a challenge to election officials who are having to debunk rumours and reassure voters, while preparing to administer election day on Tuesday.

From BBC

An internal Independent Women’s network fundraising document for the 2024 campaign obtained by True North Research says the group will “debunk the fear-mongering” on abortion.

From Slate

For instance, A.I.-generated images, videos, and conspiracy posts were ubiquitous on social media in the respective aftermaths of hurricanes Helene and Milton, even as the news organizations and public agencies trying to debunk those dangerous falsehoods found themselves algorithmically stymied.

From Slate

However, a study “debunking” that nonspeaking autistic kids have the potential to communicate through spelling does not debunk my son’s words, and it should not be allowed to tarnish his incredible achievement just because commenters can’t believe that someone who looks so disabled on the outside is showing the world something it’s not used to: a person with various debilitating sensory issues, who shouts gibberish, flicks his fingers and won’t respond when you talk to him actually has a lively intelligent mind.

From Salon

To say there even is such a thing reduces a wildly diverse group into a trite narrative that I’ve spent my career trying to debunk, when not ridiculing it altogether.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• demystify
• disparage
• mock
• puncture