Rebut

/rɪˈbʌt/

Meaning & Definition

verb
To refute or contradict an argument or accusation.
The lawyer presented evidence to rebut the charges against her client.
To prove something to be false by presenting evidence or argument.
He managed to rebut the claims made by the opposition during the debate.
To counter an assertion with opposing evidence.
She quickly rebutted the misinformation circulating on social media.

Etymology

Middle French 'rebutter', from re- 'back' + butter 'to strike'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

rebuttal
A response to an argument or criticism.
to rebut an argument
To provide evidence against a particular claim.
rebuttal evidence
Evidence presented to contradict or counter a previous argument.

Related Words

refutation
The act of disproving an assertion.
counterargument
An argument that opposes another argument.

Slang Meanings

To shoot down someone's claim in a conversation.
He totally rebutted her theory in just a few sentences.
To call out a lie or false statement.
She rebutted his claim right then and there.