rebut

verb

re·​but ri-ˈbət 

rebutted; rebutting

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

rebuttable

ri-ˈbə-tə-bəl 

adjective

Did you know?

The -but in rebut once meant basically "butt", so rebut's original meanings were "to drive or beat back" and "to attack with violent language". Rebuttals can still be rather violent, as anyone who has watched some heated moments in a presidential debate can testify. The word is often used by lawyers, since the lawyer for the accused or for the party being sued almost always tries to rebut the charges against his or her client; but it's also used in plenty of contexts outside the courtroom.

Synonyms

• beat off
• fend (off)
• repel
• repulse
• stave off
• turn away
• turn back

Examples of rebut in a Sentence

Her lawyer attempted to rebut the witness's testimony.

Stalingrad's defenders were finally able to rebut the besiegers, but only after a horrendous loss of life.

Recent Examples on the Web

Numerous reporters at the event took to social media to rebut conspiracy theories, while PolitiFact, the BBC, and Agence France Press ran fact-check stories that took time to report, write, and edit. —Nate Anderson, Ars Technica, 7 Aug. 2024

Some economists rebutted that rosy outlook, however. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2024

By rebutting the messages sent by the Houthis and by supporters, including Russia and China, such posts can play an important role in countering disinformation. —Alexandra Stark, Foreign Affairs, 2 Aug. 2024

That set the tone for a contentious interview during which the questioners pushed back repeatedly, often tussling with Trump and rebutting his assertions. —Jeremy Barr, Washington Post, 31 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French reboter, from re- + boter to butt — more at butt entry 3

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

rebut

verb

re·​but ri-ˈbət 

rebutted; rebutting

1

: to oppose by argument

2

: to prove to be wrong especially by argument or by proof that the opposite is true

Legal Definition

rebut

transitive verb

re·​but ri-ˈbət 

rebutted; rebutting

: to refute, counteract, or disprove (as opposing evidence) by evidence or argument

rebut damaging testimony

rebut a presumption

rebuttable adjective

rebuttably adverb

Etymology

Anglo-French reboter, rebuter to answer a charge, bar from an action, literally, to repulse, rebuff, from Old French reboter, from re- back + boter to push, butt