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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Loading 1923 Consolation Nobel While failing to disprove Einstein’s theory, Millikan has succeeded in making quantum measurements of unprecedented precision. Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024 The Obama campaign has advocated against this belief and somewhat disproved it by winning the presidency in 2008 and 2012 by relatively large margins. Stephen Pastis, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Last month, a trio of mathematicians announced a counterexample, disproving the conjecture. Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 1 Nov. 2024 Explorers subsequently disproved that judgment with a vengeance, and the world-is-flat theory was blasted to smithereens. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near disprove

Cite this Entry

“Disprove.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disprove. Accessed 26 Nov. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!