debunk

UK: /diːˈbʌŋk/ US: /dɪˈbʌŋk/ ,(di bungk′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

de•bunk /dɪˈbʌŋk/   v. [ ~ + obj]

1. to show (something) to be false or exaggerated;
   expose:
   to debunk a theory.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

de•bunk  (di bungk′), v.t. 

1. to expose or excoriate (a claim, assertion, sentiment, etc.) as being pretentious, false, or exaggerated:
   to debunk advertising slogans.

• de- + bunk² 1920–25, American.

de•bunk′er, n. 
Synonyms

disparage, ridicule, lampoon.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

debunk / diːˈbʌŋk/ verb

1. (transitive) to expose the pretensions or falseness of, esp by ridicule

Etymology: 20th Century: from de- + bunk²

deˈbunker noun