v.tr.
1. prove the falsity or error of (a statement etc. or the person advancing it).
2 rebut or repel by argument.
3 disp. deny or contradict (without argument).
Usage:
Often confused in this sense with repudiate.
Derivatives:
refutable adj. refutal n. refutation n. refuter n.
Etymology: L refutare (as RE-: cf. CONFUTE)