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

This is when Cummings realized that it was time to debunk that “people like strong women” rumor.

From The Daily Beast

Those images themselves should debunk the myths that Islam and Muslims are extreme.

From The Daily Beast

And empirical studies debunk what most Americans believe about drugs.

From The Daily Beast

Part of what I was trying to do was debunk what people view as the golden ages.

From The Daily Beast

The more we can reinforce good fear—and debunk bad fear—the more we can enhance those chances even further.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• demystify
• disparage
• mock
• puncture