Main Entry:

re·but

Pronunciation:

\ri-ˈbət\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

re·but·ted; re·but·ting

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French reboter, from re- + boter to butt — more at butt

Date:

14th century

transitive verb1: to drive or beat back : repel2 a: to contradict or oppose by formal legal argument, plea, or countervailing proof b: to expose the falsity of : refuteintransitive verb: to make or furnish an answer or counter proof

— re·but·ta·ble \-ˈbə-tə-bəl\ adjective