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Disabuse: meaning, definitions and examples

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disabuse

 

[ ˌdɪs.əˈbjuːz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

clarify misunderstanding

To disabuse someone is to free them from a misconception or false belief. It involves correcting someone’s understanding or providing them with accurate information to eliminate their errors in thought.

Synonyms

correct, disillusion, enlighten, set right

Examples of usage

  • He tried to disabuse her of the notion that she was not qualified for the job.
  • The expert's goal was to disabuse the public of the fears surrounding the vaccine.
  • I had to disabuse my friend of the myth that eating carbs makes you gain weight.
  • The teacher disabused the students of the idea that history is irrelevant.
  • She hoped to disabuse him of his misguided beliefs about the topic.

Translations

Translations of the word "disabuse" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desiludir

🇮🇳 भ्रम तोड़ना

🇩🇪 enttäuschen

🇮🇩 menghilangkan kesalahpahaman

🇺🇦 виправити хибне уявлення

🇵🇱 rozczarować

🇯🇵 誤解を解く

🇫🇷 décevoir

🇪🇸 desilusionar

🇹🇷 hayal kırıklığına uğratmak

🇰🇷 환상을 깨다

🇸🇦 إزالة الوهم

🇨🇿 vyvést z omylu

🇸🇰 vyviesť z omylu

🇨🇳 纠正误解

🇸🇮 razbiti iluzijo

🇮🇸 leiðrétta misskilning

🇰🇿 жалғыздықты жою

🇬🇪 მხოლოდ მცდარი წარმოდგენის მოშლა

🇦🇿 yanlış anlamanı düzəltmək

🇲🇽 desilusionar

Etymology

The word 'disabuse' comes from the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'away or apart from' and the word 'abuse,' which in this context is derived from the Latin 'abusus,' meaning 'to misuse or deceive.' The blending of these elements suggests a process of removing misconceptions or false beliefs. First recorded in the late 17th century, 'disabuse' has evolved in usage primarily within intellectual and social contexts where misinformation can influence thoughts and decisions. Over time, it has taken on a more formal and intellectual tone, often used in contexts involving education, social discourse, and personal development.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,655 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.