rebut

re·but

verb \ri-ˈbət\

re·but·tedre·but·ting

Definition of REBUT

transitive verb

1

: to drive or beat back : repel

2

a : to contradict or oppose by formal legal argument, plea, or countervailing proof b : to expose the falsity of : refute

intransitive verb

: to make or furnish an answer or counter proof

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

Examples of REBUT

1. Her lawyer attempted to rebut the witness's testimony.
2. <Stalingrad's defenders were finally able to rebut the besiegers, but only after a horrendous loss of life.>

Origin of REBUT

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to REBUT

Synonyms: beat off, fend (off), repel, repulse, stave off, turn away, turn back

Antonyms: confirm, establish, prove, validate, verify

Related Words: defy, fight, hold off, oppose, resist, stand off, withstand; deflect, ward (off); rebuff, snub, spurn

Near Antonyms: embrace, hail, welcome

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with REBUT

abut, all but, beechnut, blind gut, brush cut, buzz cut, catgut, chestnut, clean-cut, clear-cut, cobnut, cockshut, crew cut, crosscut, doughnut, foregut, groundnut, haircut, jump cut, kick butt, locknut, Meerut, midgut, offcut, peanut, pignut, pine nut, putt-putt, recut, rotgut, rough cut, sackbut, shortcut, somewhat, tut-tut, uncut, walnut, wing nut, woodcut