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

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

“I think there was a level of disbelief that there would be a significant pickup because it felt like oversupply had been there forever,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 3, 2026

So when the shootout broke against them, the German players could only stare into the distance in disbelief.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

There were shrieks of relief and whoops of disbelief, tears and fireworks and renditions of “Empire State of Mind” and “New York, New York.”

From Salon • Jun. 17, 2026

“Dude, absolutely magnificent,” David said, in disbelief of the U.S. leading 3-0 after 45 minutes against Paraguay.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 13, 2026

Jack picked up his bag and took a step back toward the clearing he’d just left, then turned and threw his bag down again, shaking his head in disbelief at himself.

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley

Related Words

• distrust
• incredulity
• mistrust