'debunk' originates from the English word 'bunk,' which was a slang term for 'nonsense.' The prefix 'de-' was added to indicate removal or reversal.

'bunk' was used in the early 20th century to describe something as nonsense, and 'debunk' emerged as a term to describe the act of exposing such nonsense.

Initially, it meant 'to remove bunk,' and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'exposing falsehoods.'