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

After ending her wait for another Grand Slam trophy with victory at the Australian Open, the Kazakh simply clenched a raised fist and briefly shook her head in a mixture of relief and disbelief.

From BBC

Ultimately, it asks the reader to choose: Is Pi spinning a pure fantasy, or can we suspend our disbelief and accept his version of what took place as truth?

From The Wall Street Journal

Andrew Lewis said he was left in "disbelief" at what the letter said.

From BBC

Djokovic frequently turned to his box in disbelief and annoyance - but he only had himself to blame at the start of the second set.

From BBC

The woman’s stare has turned from confusion to disbelief.

From Literature

Related Words

• distrust
• incredulity
• mistrust