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

Video footage shows Spoelstra walking around outside the property, at times holding his head in his hands in disbelief, as fire fighters worked to contain the flames.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Dunn lawyer Julia Gatto expressed disbelief that prosecutors had pushed forward with a case, calling the sandwich toss a “harmless gesture at the end of him exercising his right to speak out.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

English golfer Marco Penge says he is "in disbelief" as he prepares to tee off the DP World Tour's penultimate tournament with a chance of winning the Race to Dubai.

Read more on BBC

Yamamoto's nerveless contribution on Saturday -- which saw him shepherd the Dodgers over the line in a nail-biting 11th inning -- left team-mates and coaching staff in disbelief.

Read more on Barron's

Reactions ranged from disbelief to dark humor, with memes, threads, and commentary documenting current events as they unfold.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• distrust 
• incredulity 
• mistrust