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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of disbelief

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

Explanation

When you express disbelief, you make it clear that you don't believe something is real or true. Your reaction to your little brother's stories about fairies is likely to be disbelief. You'll probably encounter a lot of disbelief if you go around telling everyone you saw a UFO. You'll feel a sense of disbelief yourself if you learn you've won the lottery. In both cases, it just doesn't seem possible or real. The belief part of disbelief comes from the Old English word geleafa, "belief or faith," which evolved into bileave before becoming belief. The prefix dis- means "not" or "the opposite of."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

disbelief

The scientists presented their findings to Tuvalu's fisheries minister in December last year and were met with disbelief.

From Barron's ● Oct. 4, 2026

But less than five years later, as final seconds ticked away on a 41-27 loss to Oregon on Saturday, fans trudged toward the exits, and that very same stadium sat in hushed disbelief.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 27, 2026

Instead, people expressed their condolences for America’s loss and their disbelief that anyone could be so evil as to launch those attacks.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026

"I'm in disbelief that 18 months later we are still in a position that the house that we bought still isn't complete," says Jess.

From BBC ● Sep. 4, 2026

Taran, whose head still spun with confusion and disbelief, strained against his bonds.

From "The Black Cauldron" by Lloyd Alexander

Related Words

• distrust
• incredulity
• mistrust