Disproof

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A counter-evidence or reasoning that negates a claim or theory is known as a demonstration that illustrates its falsehood
2. Proof or evidence that demonstrates a statement or belief is incorrect
3. An argument or fact that conclusively shows a claim to be untrue

Etymology: "Disproof" is a plain formation: the prefix "dis-" attached to "proof," producing a noun meaning proof of falsity. It was modelled on the verb "disprove," which came first, so the noun followed the verb's pattern rather than being coined from scratch. The prefix "dis-" comes from Latin, where it could mean "apart," "asunder," or "not," and in English it often reverses or negates the action of a base word, as in "disagree" or "dislike." "Proof" itself came into English from Old French "prueve," ultimately from Latin "proba," meaning a test or demonstration. Putting the two together gives a word whose sense is simply the reverse of "proof": evidence that something is false rather than true.

Synonyms: refutation, contradiction

Antonyms: proof, confirmation