disprove

verb

dis·​prove (ˌ)dis-ˈprüv How to pronounce disprove (audio)
disproved; disproven (ˌ)dis-ˈprü-vən How to pronounce disprove (audio) also disproved; disproving; disproves

transitive verb

: to prove to be false or wrong : refute
disprove a theory

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 Trump quickly went on defense and in the process repeated some false or misleading claims that have been long disproved or debunked. Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2024 But during her gymnastics comeback, with her skills as astonishing as ever, Biles has given up on trying to disprove her doubters. Candace Buckner, Washington Post, 1 July 2024 The book disproves the outsider's stereotype that the authentic Nashville drink is a White Claw or a shot of Fireball. Nate Rau, Axios, 11 Oct. 2024 Andre Beverly, a Redondo Beach resident and longtime private investigator who routinely works with insurance companies looking into collisions, said dashcam footage can help both fill in the recollections of those involved in traffic accidents while also helping to prove or disprove their stories. Sean Emery, Orange County Register, 20 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for disprove 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'disprove.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of disprove was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near disprove

Cite this Entry

“Disprove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disprove. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

disprove

verb
dis·​prove (ˈ)dis-ˈprüv How to pronounce disprove (audio)
: to prove to be false

More from Merriam-Webster on disprove

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