countable/uncountable something that people wrongly believe to be trueMany teenagers still believe myths about sex and pregnancy.
contrary to popular myth (=despite what most people think): Contrary to popular myth, not everyone in this area is rich.
dispel/scotch a myth (=prove it to be untrue): He has helped to dispel the myth that men do not care about their appearance.
perpetuate a myth (=make a myth continue): Our programmes must not perpetuate myths or reinforce stereotypes.