disprove

verb

dis·​prove (ˌ)dis-ˈprüv 

disproved; disproven (ˌ)dis-ˈprü-vən  also disproved; disproving; disproves

transitive verb

: to prove to be false or wrong : refute

disprove a theory

Synonyms

• belie
• confound
• confute
• debunk
• disconfirm
• discredit
• falsify
• rebut
• refute
• shoot down

Examples of disprove in a Sentence

Magellan's circumnavigation of the globe disproved any lingering notions that the earth is flat.

Recent Examples on the Web

Civil Fraud Disputes: In fraud cases, CSLI can verify claims about where a person was during suspicious transactions, such as proving or disproving their presence at a bank branch. —Lars Daniel, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Amid this effort, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO has occasionally pushed false or misleading claims about the election. CCDH identified 87 posts from Musk between January and October promoting claims that have been disproved by fact-checkers. —Julia Shapero, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024

Getting to create new versions of these songs is Lipa’s way of disproving the idea that pop stars can’t make instrumentally rich music. —Chris Malone Mendez, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

The Ukrainians keep disproving the lie, in their valiant effort to save themselves. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French desprover, from des- dis- + prover to prove

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

disprove

verb

dis·​prove (ˈ)dis-ˈprüv 

: to prove to be false