How to Say "to debunk" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to debunk” is “desmentir” — use this word when you need to officially deny or refute a specific rumor, lie, or false claim, often in a public or formal context.
desmentir
dehs-mehn-TEERdesmenˈtiɾ
Examples
El gobierno tuvo que desmentir las noticias falsas sobre la economía.
The government had to debunk the fake news about the economy.
La empresa tuvo que desmentir los rumores sobre su cierre.
The company had to deny the rumors about its closure.
Sus acciones desmienten sus palabras de amor.
His actions contradict his words of love.
Los científicos lograron desmentir la vieja teoría con nuevas pruebas.
Scientists managed to debunk the old theory with new evidence.
The 'E' to 'IE' and 'I' Swap
This verb is a bit tricky. The middle 'e' changes to 'ie' when you stress it (like 'yo desmiento'), but it changes to 'i' in the past for 'he/she' and 'they' (like 'él desmintió').
Using 'Desmentir' vs. 'Negar'
Use 'desmentir' when you are specifically saying a claim or rumor is false. Use 'negar' for a general refusal or when someone says they didn't do something.
The Past Tense Slip-up
Mistake: “Él desmentió la noticia.”
Correction: Él desmintió la noticia. Because it's an -ir verb with an 'e' in the stem, that 'e' turns into 'i' in the 3rd person past tense.
desmontar
dehs-mohn-TAHRdezmonˈtaɾ
Examples
La abogada desmontó la coartada del acusado con pruebas contundentes.
The lawyer debunked the defendant's alibi with strong evidence.
El científico desmontó la teoría con nuevas pruebas.
The scientist debunked the theory with new evidence.
Lograron desmontar la red de mentiras del político.
They managed to dismantle the politician's web of lies.
Figurative Use
This uses the physical idea of taking something apart and applies it to ideas. You are literally 'taking apart' someone's logic.
derribar
deh-rree-barderiˈβaɾ
Examples
La investigación científica busca derribar viejos mitos sobre la salud.
The scientific research seeks to debunk old myths about health.
El movimiento social logró derribar al dictador.
The social movement managed to overthrow the dictator.
Sus pruebas derribaron el mito de que la tierra era plana.
His evidence debunked the myth that the earth was flat.
Las defensas lograron derribar el dron enemigo.
The defenses managed to shoot down the enemy drone.
Figurative use
Think of this like 'bringing something down' that isn't physical, like a person's power or a fake idea.
Desmentir vs. Desmontar
Related Translations
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