To debunk means to prove that something is false or not as impressive as people claimed. When you debunk a myth, you show evidence that it isn't true. When you debunk a rumor, you reveal the facts that prove it wrong.

Scientists often debunk false claims about health or nature. For example, they've debunked the idea that you only use 10% of your brain (brain scans show we use all of it, just different parts for different tasks). Historians debunk legends that turn out to be exaggerated or invented. A teacher might debunk a popular misconception, like the mistaken belief that different parts of your tongue taste different flavors.

The word has a satisfying sense of exposing nonsense or puncturing inflated claims. If your friend insists they can predict the weather by watching their cat's behavior, you might debunk this theory by showing them actual meteorology. When a magician reveals how a trick works, they're debunking the illusion of real magic.

Debunking requires evidence and clear thinking. You can't debunk something just because you don't like it or don't believe it. You need facts, logic, or proof that shows why the claim doesn't hold up. Good debunking helps people understand what's really true instead of what merely sounds true.