disbelief

[dis-bi-leef]

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.

disbelief

/ ˌdɪsbɪˈliːf /

noun

1. refusal or reluctance to believe

Word History and Origins

Origin of disbelief¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

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.”

Example Sentences

When the 49th Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris called, Scott Evans, the host of the YouTube interview show “House Guest,” answered in disbelief.

From Los Angeles Times

They ask the Avontuur to depart Guadeloupe as soon as possible, leaving the ship's crew in disbelief.

From BBC

The 23-year-old stared up at the screen in disbelief before bursting into celebration and skipping down the track as her breakthrough achievement was confirmed.

From BBC

A senior Labour MP is not the only one in disbelief at the latest - you couldn't make it up - mishap for this government.

From BBC

“It’s just complete disbelief,” said Cain, 48, who works in forensics and had come to appreciate Kirk and his style of debating political issues.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• distrust 
• incredulity 
• mistrust