disbelief

American  

[dis-bi-leef] / ˌdɪs bɪˈlif /

noun

1. the inability or refusal to believe or to accept something as true.

2. amazement; astonishment.

   We stared at the Taj Mahal in disbelief.

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idioms

1. suspension of disbelief,  the implicit convention requiring a reader, spectator, etc., to set aside their usual criteria for judging the reality or credibility of an experience in order to be be fully immersed in a fictional or fantastic reality: According to Coleridge, enlightened readers could still enjoy literature about the supernatural because of the phenomenon he named “willing suspension of disbelief.”

   The absurd plot in the last episode stretched our suspension of disbelief to the breaking point.

   According to Coleridge, enlightened readers could still enjoy literature about the supernatural because of the phenomenon he named “willing suspension of disbelief.”

disbelief British  

/ ˌdɪsbɪˈliːf /

noun

1. refusal or reluctance to believe

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Etymology

Origin of disbelief

First recorded in 1665–75; dis- ¹ + belief

Example Sentences

"If Carlsberg did Boxing Days, it was that. There was disbelief at the end of the day," says Cook.

From BBC

“We’re really all in shock and just like in disbelief that this happened to someone we know,” said Reeves, Wolfe’s friend.

From The Wall Street Journal

He also assumes that Robin will jump at the chance of joining him on a binge of tourist spots, a notion Robin dismisses with disbelief bordering on disgust.

From The Wall Street Journal

When he finally got a shot to trickle over the rim in the third quarter, Doncic held both arms out in disbelief and relief as the ball bounced up high and then through the net.

From Los Angeles Times

The decline in standards and basic levels of performance since last season has had seasoned Anfield observers rubbing their eyes in disbelief at what they are witnessing.

From BBC

Related Words

• distrust
• incredulity
• mistrust