/
rɪˈfjuːt/
v.
- prove (a statement or the person advancing it) to be wrong.
- deny (a statement or accusation).
Derivative
- refutable adj.
- refutal n.
- refutation
/rɛfjʊˈteɪʃ(ə)n/
n. - refuter n.
Usage
The core meaning of refute is ‘prove (a statement or theory) to be wrong’. From this a more general sense has developed, meaning ‘deny’, as in I absolutely refute the charges made against me. Traditionalists object to the second use, but it is now widely accepted in standard English.
Etymology
C16: from L. refutare ‘repel, rebut’.
