Debunk has been in use since at least the 1920s, and it contrasts with synonyms like disprove and rebut by suggesting that something is not merely untrue but is also a sham—a trick meant to deceive.

DEBUNK definition: to expose or excoriate (a claim, assertion, sentiment, etc.) as being pretentious, false, or exaggerated. See examples of debunk used in a sentence.

DEBUNK definition: 1. to show that something is less important, less good, or less true than it has been made to…. Learn more.

If you debunk a widely held belief, you show that it is false. If you debunk something that is widely admired, you show that it is not as good as people think it is.

Definition of debunk verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. debunk something to show that an idea, a belief, etc. is false; to show that something is not as good as people think it is. His …

debunk (diːˈbʌŋk) vb (tr) informal to expose the pretensions or falseness of, esp by ridicule [C20: from de- + bunk 2]

Definition of debunk. English dictionary and integrated thesaurus for learners, writers, teachers, and students with advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026 de•bunk (di bungk′), v.t. to expose or excoriate (a claim, assertion, sentiment, etc.) as being pretentious, false, or …

DEBUNK meaning: to show that something (such as a belief or theory) is not true to show the falseness of (a story, idea, statement, etc.)

debunk meaning, definition, what is debunk: to show that an idea or belief is false: Learn more.