con·tro·vert / ˈkäntrəˌvərt; ˌkäntrəˈvərt/ • v. [tr.] deny the truth of (something): subsequent work from the same laboratory controverted these results. ∎  argue about (something).DERIVATIVES: con·tro·vert·i·ble adj.

controvert XVII. First in pp. and ppl. adj. controverted, replacing †controversed disputed, called in question — F. controversé, for earlier †controvers — L. contrōversus disputed, questionable, f. contrō-, var. of CONTRA- + versus, pp. of vertere turn.
So controversy XIV. — L. contrōversia (see -Y 3). controversial XVI. — late L. controversialist XVIII.

CONTROVERT

To contest, deny, or take issue with.

A claim of reckless driving alleged in a plaintiff's complaint that initiates a lawsuit for negligence is controverted by the statements made in the defendant's answer that he or she was driving at a speed below the speed limit and was observing the rules of the road.