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

See Examples For:

disbelief

The TVs played scenes from the Harry Potter films and helped suspend disbelief where magical creatures were involved, and the lighting system aided in spellcasting.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026

Taken aback by Gavriel’s fiery outburst, Yair asks in disbelief, “why can’t we live side by side in peace?”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

“My reaction was shock, disbelief, anger, embarrassment,” Julio Varela, 54, said in an interview Monday.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026

He said he was in such disbelief that he did not even buy a round of drinks for the other customers, when he eventually made it to the pub four hours later than scheduled.

From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026

I stopped walking, staring at him in disbelief.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

Related Words

• distrust
• incredulity
• mistrust