Debunked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🧐
debunked
[dɪˈbʌŋkt ]
Definition
disprove claims
To debunk something means to expose its falseness or hollowness. It is often used in the context of disproving myths, misconceptions, or exaggerated claims.
Synonyms
debate, disconfirm, disprove, invalidate, refute.
Examples of usage
- The scientist debunked the myth that vaccines cause autism.
- She debunked the popular belief that humans only use 10% of their brains.
- The article debunked the claims made by the conspiracy theorists.
- His research aims to debunk several common misconceptions about climate change.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In scientific research, debunking means disproving a hypothesis with evidence that contradicts it.
- Famous cases in science include debunking myths about vaccines causing autism and the misconception of the 'bad cholesterol' theory.
- Debunking often leads to new discoveries as faulty ideas are replaced with accurate, evidence-based information.
Pop Culture
- Television shows like 'MythBusters' popularized debunking by testing urban legends and common myths.
- Internet platforms and fact-checking organizations emerged to debunk misinformation present in media and social networks.
- Documentaries often aim to debunk historical myths by providing comprehensive evidence and counter-narratives.
Psychology
- Cognitive biases can lead people to resist debunking, as they may hold onto beliefs despite evidence to the contrary.
- The 'backfire effect' occurs when presenting debunking evidence makes individuals cling more tightly to their beliefs.
- Understanding how to effectively debunk can inform educational strategies and enhance critical thinking.
Literature
- Works of fiction often employ debunking to challenge societal norms, revealing truths hidden beneath superficial beliefs.
- Authors like George Orwell used their narratives to debunk political ideologies, urging readers to think critically about government propaganda.
- Debunking is a common theme in satire, where societal misconceptions are exposed through humor and exaggeration.
Origin of 'debunked'
Main points about word origin
- The term originated from the word 'bunk', meaning nonsense, and first appeared in print in the early 20th century.
- The prefix 'de-' means to reverse or remove, so 'debunk' literally means to remove nonsense.
- Initially used in the context of false claims, it has since evolved to cover various types of misinformation.
The term 'debunk' originated in the early 20th century, with its first usage attributed to the American humorist William Woodward, who used it in his 1923 book 'Dumbbells and the Old Folks.' The word is a combination of the prefix 'de-' indicating removal or reversal, and 'bunk,' a slang term meaning nonsense or rubbish. The term gained popularity during the rise of critical thinking and skepticism movements, especially against pseudoscience and superstitions. Over the decades, 'debunk' has evolved to become associated with the exposure of deception or falsehoods in various spheres, including media, politics, and health claims. Today, it is widely used in contexts where misinformation needs to be clarified or corrected.