Debunked

/dɪˈbʌŋkt/ verb

Definition

Proved that something believed to be true is actually false or based on lies.

Etymology

From 'debunk,' combining the prefix 'de-' (to remove) with 'bunk' (meaning nonsense or false information). The term originated in early 20th-century American English as media and journalists began systematically exposing false claims.

Kelly Says

The word 'debunk' became popular during the 1920s when science and journalism were fighting superstitions and urban legends—it's basically the original fact-checking!

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