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debunking

debunking

5 5.6
Showing that a belief, story, or idea is not true
  • noun
  • /dɪˈbʌŋkɪŋ/
translation icon : desmitificación
  • One of his points to justify his atheism was the debunking of the First Cause Argument put forth by the Catholic Church.

There's always a chance that the debunking wasn't sound.

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Examples

  • And she is the author of the Must Read the End of Gender, debunking the myths about sex and identity in our society.

  • The scientist wrote an article about the debunking of false beliefs surrounding climate change.

  • But what happened with the attempted debunking of the man the hunter theory?

  • Where can I find some clear, straightforward, layperson-friendly debunking of that line of thinking?

    Blog text (27)
  • Here are the five myths that most need debunking when it comes to lighting that eternal flame.

    Blog text (4)
  • The Business Insider also illustrated the debunking of the "tax cuts spur growth" theory, back in September.

    Blog text (5)
  • We're all familiar with debunking misinformation and disinformation.

  • He also anchors a Daily Show called Reality Check, which aims at debunking official myths and government propaganda.

  • Through such experiential learning, students will acquire knowledge that will help in the debunking of existing stereotypes and misconceptions.

    Academic text (1996)
  • Their most important contribution is the thorough and impressive debunking of the incessant claims of Croatian and Serbian chauvinists.

    Academic text (1997)

Synonyms

refutation
vsdebunking
  • Formal
10 6.8

An argument or evidence that proves a claim wrong

is wider, stressing exposure of pretension as well as proof
repudiation
vsdebunking
  • Formal
4 8.2

Showing that an idea or claim is false by giving proof

is the act of exposing falseness or pretensions
falsification
vsdebunking
3 7.7

To show that an idea, belief, or result is wrong

leans more toward public exposure and mocking of pretensions
disproof
vsdebunking
1 6.8

A fact or argument that shows an idea is not true

focuses more on revealing pretension and social falsehoods than formal proof
confutation
vsdebunking
  • Formal
9.9

Showing that an idea or statement is wrong by using facts and reasons

is similar but may also target public pretension rather than theory
disconfirmation
vsdebunking
  • Specialized
8.0

Evidence that shows a belief or theory is wrong

is more about exposing false claims and pretensions broadly
refutal
vsdebunking
8.8

An act of showing that an idea or claim is wrong

is broader, also including exposing false appearance or pretension
disaffirmation
vsdebunking
  • Formal
9.9

A statement saying that something is not true or not valid

is stronger in exposing and proving falseness rather than mere denial

How Conclusive

refutation
  • Formal
10 6.8
debunking
5 5.6
to expose
342 4.1
challenge
  • Formal
120 3.5
criticism
56 3.0

Surface Forms

debunking singular
debunkings plural

Morphology

debunking = debunk (semi-transparent) = de + bunk + ing

The noun is a regular action nominal formed from the verb 'debunk' with '-ing'.

Etymology

The word debunking comes from the prefix de- meaning 'remove' and bunk, from bunkum, meaning 'nonsense', so it is like 'removing nonsense'. That's why a debunking is the act of showing that an idea or claim is false.