rebut
oxford
views updated Jun 11 2018re·but / riˈbət/ •
v. (-but·ted, -but·ting) [tr.] 1. claim or prove that (evidence or an accusation) is false: he had to rebut charges of acting for the convenience of his political friends.2. archaic drive back or repel (a person or attack).DERIVATIVES: re·but·ta·ble adj.
The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English
rebut
oxford
views updated May 21 2018rebut †revile, reproach XIII; †repel, repulse XIV; check XV; (leg.) repel by counter-proof XIX (intr. XVII). — AN.
rebuter, OF.
rebo(u)ter, f.
RE- +
boter BUTT1.
So
rebutter (leg.) defendant's answer to plaintiff's surrejoinder. XVI. Hence
rebuttal (
-AL2) XIX.
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD
Rebut
gale
views updated May 09 2018REBUT
To defeat, dispute, or remove the effect of the other side's facts or arguments in a particular case or controversy.
When a defendant in a lawsuit proves that the plaintiff's allegations are not true, the defendant has thereby rebutted them.
West's Encyclopedia of American Law