Debunk
/dɪˈbʌŋk/
verbB2
Definition
Debunk means to prove that something people believe or say is wrong or false. It is often used when someone shows that a popular idea, myth, or claim is not correct by using facts or clear explanations. This word is common when talking about false stories, rumors, or wrong information.
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See It in Action
To prove a false idea or myth is wrong
- •Scientists debunked the myth that vaccines cause illness.
- •The article debunks common misunderstandings about climate change.
- •She debunked the rumor that the company was closing.
To expose wrong or fake information publicly
- •The TV show debunks fake news stories every week.
- •Experts debunked the false claims made by the advertisement.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "debunk" like "show wrong," but with proof or facts that make people believe the truth
- ✓Picture someone popping a balloon to show it was empty inside — the idea looked big but was actually false
- ✓It's the feeling when you find out a story you heard is not true, and you explain why with real information
- ✓Sounds like "dee-BUNK" → imagine digging (like a "bunk" bed lower part) under a false story to find the truth hidden below
- ✓Think of a detective in stories who finds the real facts and shows that a mystery or rumor is not true
- ✓NOT like "ignore" (which means to not pay attention), "debunk" means to actively prove something false
- ✓NOT like "disagree" (just having a different opinion), "debunk" is showing evidence that something is wrong
Try Other Words
- •Disprove: show that something is not true (Use when focusing on showing something is false, often in scientific or logical contexts)
- •Expose: reveal the truth about something hidden or false (Use when showing secret or false information to others)
- •Refute: argue against and show something is wrong (Use in formal or academic situations to reject an idea)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "de-" (remove, undo) + "bunk" (short for "bunkum," meaning nonsense or false talk)
- •Etymology: Comes from American English slang "bunk" meaning nonsense; "debunk" means to remove nonsense or false ideas
- •Historical development: First used in the 1920s to describe removing false ideas or exposing lies
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in science, journalism, and everyday speech to talk about showing false information as untrue
Reflect & Connect
•How can debunking false information help people make better decisions in daily life?
•Can debunking sometimes cause problems if people strongly believe the false idea? Why or why not?
Fill in the blanks
1.Scientists worked hard to debunk the ___ that eating carrots improves night vision.
2.When someone tries to debunk a myth, they usually use ___ to show it is false.
3.Unlike just disagreeing, to debunk means you prove the idea is ___ with facts.
4.The news program debunks fake stories to help viewers ___ wrong information.
5.Advertisements sometimes make false claims, and experts try to debunk ___ to protect consumers.
6.If you want to debunk a rumor, you need clear ___ that shows it is not true.
7.When people debunk a popular belief, they often change how others ___ about it.