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

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

The lengthy filing -- which includes an 80-page summary of the evidence gathered by investigators -- outlines multiple instances in which Trump allegedly heard from advisers who disproved his allegations, yet continued to spread his claims of outcome-determinative voter fraud, prosecutors said. —Katherine Faulders, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2024

There’s no indication that the hospital performed or even knew about the thebaine test, leaving providers with no way to prove or disprove Horton’s claims. —Shoshana Walter, USA TODAY, 9 Sep. 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