refute Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb overthrow by argument, evidence, or proof
    rebut.
    • The speaker refuted his opponent's arguments
  2. verb prove to be false or incorrect
    controvert; rebut.

WordNet

Re*fute" transitive verb
Etymology
F. réfuter, L. refuteare to repel, refute. Cf. Confute, Refuse to deny.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Refuted; present participle & verbal noun Refuting
Definitions
  1. To disprove and overthrow by argument, evidence, or countervailing proof; to prove to be false or erroneous; to confute; as, to refute arguments; to refute testimony; to refute opinions or theories; to refute a disputant.
    There were so many witnesses in these two miracles that it is impossible to refute such multitudes. Addison.
    Syn. -- To confute; disprove. See Confute.

Webster 1913