DictionaryexplodeDisproving a belief
verb

explode

To show that a belief or myth is false.

The new evidence explodes the myth that bats are blind.

Etymology

The Latin verb describes driving a performer off with noise. Exploding a claim preserves the rejection: evidence discredits it and drives it out of acceptance.

More examples

  • Her research exploded the belief that intelligence never changes.
  • These records explode the myth of a crime-free past.
  • The report aims to explode several common myths about sleep.

Forms

explode · explodes · exploded · exploding

Similar words

debunk
Emphasizes exposing the falseness of widely accepted claims.
disprove
Neutrally describes establishing that a claim is false.
refute
Emphasizes defeating a claim or argument with evidence.