The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

4.8

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 632 pages, 147 lessons, 428 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

Buy on Amazon

Amazon Best Seller:

#1 Spelling & Vocabulary.

#1 Education TOEFL & TOEIC.

#1 Slang & Idiom Reference Books.

Transform Your Vocabulary!

disabuse

verb

/dɪsəˈbjus/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of disabuse

To correct someone's false beliefs, misconceptions, or erroneous notions by providing them with accurate information or evidence.
"I had to disabuse my friend of the idea that all politicians are corrupt."

Detailed meaning of disabuse

When someone disabuses another person, they are essentially helping them to see the truth and dispelling any illusions or misunderstandings. This can involve gently or firmly challenging and refuting mistaken beliefs, assumptions, or ideas in order to promote a more accurate understanding of a particular subject or situation. Disabusing someone often requires clear communication and patience, as it involves guiding them toward a more informed and realistic perspective, free from the inaccuracies they may have previously held.

Example sentences containing disabuse

1. We need to disabuse him of the notion that he is always right.
2. The teacher hopes to disabuse her students of the idea that studying is unnecessary.
3. The lawyer tried to disabuse the jury of any preconceived notions about his client.
4. It’s important to disabuse yourself of unrealistic expectations when starting a new project.
5. The counselor attempted to disabuse the couple of the belief that marriage is always easy.
6. He needs to disabuse his mind of the stereotypes he holds.

History and etymology of disabuse

The verb 'disabuse' has its etymological origins in French. It is derived from the French word 'désabuser,' which combines 'dés-' meaning 'to remove' or 'undo' and 'abuser,' meaning 'to deceive' or 'to mislead.' Therefore, 'disabuse' originally meant to remove or undo deception or false beliefs. This term was later adopted into English to describe the act of correcting someone's false beliefs, misconceptions, or erroneous notions by providing them with accurate information or evidence. 'Disabuse' implies the process of enlightening or educating someone to see the truth and dispel misconceptions. The etymology of 'disabuse' underscores its historical connection to the idea of dispelling deception and providing clarity and accurate knowledge, highlighting its role in promoting understanding and accuracy in communication.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the verb disabuse:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of disabuse

1. The seminar was meant to disabuse young entrepreneurs of the myth that success comes overnight.
2. The documentary seeks to disabuse the public of the false narrative surrounding the historical event.
3. It is crucial for parents to disabuse their children of the dangers of talking to strangers online.
4. She read several books to disabuse herself of the myths surrounding mental health.
5. The workshop aimed to disabuse the attendees of the belief that coding is only for tech-savvy individuals.
6. It took a lot of evidence to disabuse the scientist of his long-held theory.
7. They started a campaign to disabuse people of the notion that vaccinations are harmful.
8. The financial expert sought to disabuse people of the idea that investing is akin to gambling.
9. The veteran teacher tried to disabuse the new staff of the perception that teaching is a low-stress profession.
10. The community leader worked to disabuse residents of the idea that they could not make a difference.
11. I want to disabuse you of the thought that success is solely based on luck.
12. It is the role of educators to disabuse students of incorrect information and encourage critical thinking.
13. The psychologist needed to disabuse her patient of the irrational fears that plagued his mind.
14. She attempted to disabuse him of the conspiracy theories he believed.
15. It's crucial to disabuse society of harmful stereotypes.
16. He hoped to disabuse his friend of the mistaken notion.
17. The teacher worked tirelessly to disabuse students of common misconceptions.
18. Science seeks to disabuse us of unfounded superstitions.
19. Her goal was to disabuse the public of misinformation.
20. Rational arguments can disabuse people of irrational fears.
21. Education can help disabuse ignorance and promote understanding.
22. He wanted to disabuse them of the idea that success comes overnight.
23. Our mission is to disabuse society of gender bias.
24. Through open dialogue, we can disabuse misunderstandings.