disbelief

dis·be·lief (dis′bə lēf′, dis′bə lēf′)

noun

refusal to believe; absence of belief

Preposition: that

anyone: A: It is not unusual to feel shock and disbelief that anyone could carry out such an act.
people: They also commonly express their disbelief that so many people support what the Krays did which is reflected by the feedback on this site.

Converse of object

suspend: However, I managed to suspend disbelief long enough to enjoy the tale.
express: They also expressed disbelief at some of the information they were given about landmarks.
horrify: The effect of her actions on audiences ranges from a sense of pity to a horrified disbelief that such a woman could actually exist.
provoke: This provoked disbelief, not least from Rose, but put off the argument with Alice that had been brewing.
remember: I remember the disbelief and then thinking about whether all was lost - was there still a chance for us?

Adjective modifier

stunned: All I could do was stare at the result in stunned disbelief.
utter: In utter disbelief his asked Herod " Where do you get this audience?
sheer: Mr Houghton said: " I read her comments with sheer disbelief.
widespread: There is still widespread disbelief or downplaying of the real significance of Peak Oil.
total: She could see the amazement on their faces, the total disbelief at seeing a suburban housewife charging toward them.
initial: To Ish's initial disbelief, the ' world has ended ' in his absence.

Modifies a noun

Possessives

everyone: However the stewards gave him a hearing and to everyone's disbelief upheld his objection.

Preposition: in

god: When Campbell had just admitted to disbelief in a personal god, a Catholic priest asked him whether logical argument might change his mind.

Preposition: from

audience: There were cries of disbelief from the audience and many people were in tears.

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