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Debunk: meaning, definitions and examples

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debunk

 

[ dɪˈbʌŋk ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in a debate

Expose the falseness or hollowness of (a myth, idea, or belief).

Synonyms

disprove, expose, invalidate, refute

Examples of usage

  • He debunked the myth that vaccines cause autism.
  • The scientist debunked the conspiracy theory with solid evidence.
Context #2 | Verb

in a journalistic context

Examine and expose as being false or exaggerated.

Synonyms

discredit, expose, refute

Examples of usage

  • The journalist debunked the rumors about the celebrity's secret wedding.
  • The article debunked the misleading information circulating online.

Translations

Translations of the word "debunk" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desmascarar

🇮🇳 खण्डित करना

🇩🇪 entlarven

🇮🇩 membongkar

🇺🇦 викривати

🇵🇱 demaskować

🇯🇵 暴く (あばく)

🇫🇷 démystifier

🇪🇸 desmentir

🇹🇷 çürütmek

🇰🇷 폭로하다

🇸🇦 كشف

🇨🇿 odhalit

🇸🇰 odhaliť

🇨🇳 揭穿 (jiēchuān)

🇸🇮 razkrinkati

🇮🇸 afhjúpa

🇰🇿 әшкерелеу

🇬🇪 გადაშლა

🇦🇿 faş etmək

🇲🇽 desmentir

Etymology

The word 'debunk' originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It is believed to have been coined by the American novelist William Woodward in 1923. The term combines 'de-' (meaning 'to remove') and 'bunk' (a slang term for nonsense). 'Debunk' gained popularity in the 1940s and has since become a common term used in various fields to expose myths, false beliefs, or exaggerated claims.

See also: bunk.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,144 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.