/ rɪˈfjuːt; NAmE / verb [ vn ] ( formal )
1.
to prove that sth is wrong
SYN rebut :
to refute an argument / a theory, etc.
2.
to say that sth is not true or fair
SYN deny :
She refutes any suggestion that she behaved unprofessionally.
► re·fut·able / -əbl; NAmE / adjective
► refu·ta·tion / ˌrefjuˈteɪʃn; NAmE / noun [ C , U ]:
a refutation of previously held views
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 16th cent. : from Latin refutare repel, rebut.