disprove

dis·prove

transitive verb \(ˌ)dis-ˈprüv\

Definition of DISPROVE

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

— dis·prov·able \-ˈprü-və-bəl\ adjective

Examples of DISPROVE

1. <Magellan's circumnavigation of the globe disproved any lingering notions that the earth is flat.>

Origin of DISPROVE

Middle English, from Anglo-French desprover, from des- dis- + prover to prove

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to DISPROVE

Synonyms

belie, confound, confute, debunk, disconfirm, discredit, falsify, rebut, refute, shoot down, give the lie to

Antonyms

confirm, establish, prove, validate, verify

Related Words

overthrow, overturn; challenge, contest, query, question; doubt, mistrust; debate, discuss, hash (over), moot, talk over

Near Antonyms

document, evidence, evince, record, show, support, witness; back (up), buttress, corroborate, substantiate; adduce, attest, authenticate, certify, identify; demonstrate, display, illustrate, manifest