refutation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the speech act of answering an attack on your assertions
    defense; defence.
    • his refutation of the charges was short and persuasive
    • in defense he said the other man started it
  2. noun any evidence that helps to establish the falsity of something
    falsification; disproof.
  3. noun the act of determining that something is false
    refutal; falsification; falsifying; disproof.

WordNet

Ref`u*ta"tion noun
Etymology
L. refutatio: cf. F. réfutation.
Definitions
  1. The act or process of refuting or disproving, or the state of being refuted; proof of falsehood or error; the overthrowing of an argument, opinion, testimony, doctrine, or theory, by argument or countervailing proof.
    Same of his blunders seem rather to deserve a flogging than a refutation. Macaulay.

Webster 1913