debunk

American

[dih-buhngk] / dɪˈbʌŋk /

verb (used with object)

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

to debunk advertising slogans.

Synonyms:

lampoon, ridicule, disparage

debunk British

/ diːˈbʌŋk /

verb

informal (tr) to expose the pretensions or falseness of, esp by ridicule

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

debunker noun

Etymology

Origin of debunk

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Also, it was debunking the lie that just because we’re all in the music business, we all like each other.

From Los Angeles Times

"The publication of historical archives strengthens institutional credibility, helps debunk conspiracy theories and demonstrates a commitment to the truth," according to a guide published with the documents.

From Barron's

“The film itself debunks any attempts to debunk it.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The initial announcement came from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, who for decades has spread debunked claims that vaccines cause autism.

From Barron's

In the age of AI, authentic high-resolution satellite imagery collected in real time can give decision-makers vital clues to assess security threats and debunk falsehoods from unverified sources.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023