disprove
UK: dɪsˈpruːv | US: dɪsˈpruːv
vt. to prove that something is false or incorrect
vt. to refute or contradict with evidence
The word "disprove" combines the prefix "dis-" (from Latin, meaning "opposite" or "negation") with the root "prove" (from Latin "probare," meaning "to test or demonstrate truth"). The prefix "dis-" reverses the action of "prove," creating the meaning "to demonstrate falsity." This logical negation structure is common in English, where "dis-" systematically inverts the root's meaning (e.g., "disagree," "disable"). The word entered Middle English via Old French, retaining its Latin-derived logic.
The scientist aimed to disprove the outdated theory with new data.
No evidence could disprove his alibi during the trial.
Her research disproves the myth that vaccines cause autism.
Critics tried but failed to disprove the study's conclusions.
A single counterexample can disprove a universal claim.