rebut

views updated Jun 11 2018

re·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.

rebut

views updated May 21 2018

rebut †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.

Rebut

views updated May 09 2018

REBUT

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.

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