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

Example Sentences

In a statement issued earlier this week Amy's family said they have been "crushed with disbelief, sadness and pain".

From BBC

In her interview with Kotb, Savannah Guthrie detailed her family’s pain and disbelief since her mother’s disappearance more than 50 days ago.

From The Wall Street Journal

In a statement issued earlier this week Ms Doherty's family said they have been "crushed with disbelief, sadness and pain".

From BBC

“The first reaction was disbelief because I thought there was no chance after these two got in.”

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Doherty's family said they have been "crushed with disbelief, sadness and pain".

From BBC

Related Words

• distrust
• incredulity
• mistrust