The word of the day from Merriam-Webster is "debunk," a verb meaning to expose the falseness of something. Debunking involves proving that a belief, theory, or claim is untrue. The process often reveals that the subject is a sham or a trick meant to deceive. Unlike simply disproving something, debunking implies the exposure of an exaggerated or foolish claim. The example sentence shows an influencer being popular even after their health claims were debunked. Adam Gopnik's quote highlights how debunkers are sometimes wrongly accused of being in league with those spreading falsehoods. The word "debunk" has its roots in the word "bunk," meaning nonsense. "Bunk" itself derives from "bunkum," which carries political connotations. The use of "debunk" has been around since at least the 1920s. The term offers a more critical view compared to disproving or rebutting. Debunking implies the intent to deceive or the foolishness of the initial claim.