disabuse

[dis-uh-byooz]

verb (used with object)

disabused, disabusing 

1. to free (a person) from deception or error.

disabuse

/ ˌdɪsəˈbjuːz /

verb

1. to rid (oneself, another person, etc) of a mistaken or misguided idea; set right

Other Word Forms

• disabusal noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disabuse¹

From the French word désabuser, dating back to 1605–15. See dis- ¹, abuse

Example Sentences

But he was quickly disabused of any hope that his prophesies of financial doom would sway opponents.

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"It's definitely not disabusing these women of any thoughts they have about men and male behaviour."

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Kirsh wants to quickly disabuse her and the other Lost Boys of that idea, given his experience of being sentient property and, perhaps, his experience of typically being the smartest one in the room.

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His wife, he says, is happy to disabuse him of that notion.

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In an odd way, I count myself lucky to be disabused so forcefully of any fantasies of material permanence while I’m still in the middle of my life.

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Related Words

• debunk 
• disillusion 
• enlighten