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Definition of debunk

debunk

/diːˈbʌŋk/
de · bunk
Past Simple:debunked
•
Past Participle:debunked
•
Present Participle:debunking
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debunk Lexical Profile

debunk Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To expose the falseness, hollowness, or exaggerated claims of a myth, idea, or belief.

Example

"The astronomer published a detailed paper to debunk the popular conspiracy theory about the lunar landing."

2

To reduce the inflated reputation of a person, institution, or historical figure by exposing their flaws or pretensions.

Example

"Modern biographers have sought to debunk several idealized figures of the nineteenth century by examining their private correspondence."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for debunk

• Nearby Words

debtor
debug
debugger
debunk
debunker
debut
debutant

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1923 by American novelist William E. Woodward in his novel Bunk, combining the prefix de- with bunk (short for bunkum, meaning nonsense, after Buncombe County, North Carolina).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Debunk. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/debunk
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