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

Loading 1923 Consolation Nobel While failing to disprove Einstein’s theory, Millikan has succeeded in making quantum measurements of unprecedented precision. —Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024

The Obama campaign has advocated against this belief and somewhat disproved it by winning the presidency in 2008 and 2012 by relatively large margins. —Stephen Pastis, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Last month, a trio of mathematicians announced a counterexample, disproving the conjecture. —Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 1 Nov. 2024

Explorers subsequently disproved that judgment with a vengeance, and the world-is-flat theory was blasted to smithereens. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 27 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