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
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But data from the federal Department of Labor over many years disproves that assertion. Nick Langworthy, New York Daily News, 3 July 2025 They’re left to hope Deandre Ayton can disprove his irresponsible reputation and actually start dominayton. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 2 July 2025 The men have not been allowed to disprove any gang affiliation or contact attorneys or families. Carmen Sesin, NBC news, 11 June 2025 The scientific method involves the opposite: constructing a hypothesis and trying to disprove it with an open mind. Keren Landman, The Atlantic, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for disprove

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disprove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disprove. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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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