rebut

[ri-buht]

verb (used with object), re·but·ted, re·but·ting.

to refute by evidence or argument.

to oppose by contrary proof.

verb (used without object), re·but·ted, re·but·ting.

to provide some evidence or argument that refutes or opposes.

Origin of rebut

1250–1300; Middle English reb(o)uten < Old French rebouter, equivalent to re- re- + bouter butt³

Related formsre·but·ta·ble, adjectiveun·re·but·ta·ble, adjectiveun·re·but·ted, adjective

Can be confuseddeny disapprove disprove rebut refute

Synonyms for rebut

1. disprove, confute.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for rebuttable

Contemporary Examples of rebuttable

The presumption is rebuttable but absent judicial or attorney error, it's almost impossible.
4 Reasons Oscar Pistorius Might Be Found Not Guilty
Eboni K. Williams
March 6, 2014
The rebuttable presumption in her favor has not been rebutted to date.
Elena Kagan's Surprise Defender
Richard A. Epstein
May 11, 2010

Historical Examples of rebuttable

But there is a presumption which is not rebuttable with regard to the mens rea of the vessel.
International Law. A Treatise. Volume II (of 2)
Lassa Francis Oppenheim

British Dictionary definitions for rebuttable

rebut

verb -buts, -butting or -butted

(tr) to refute or disprove, esp by offering a contrary contention or argument

Derived Formsrebuttable, adjectiverebuttal, noun

Word Origin for rebut

C13: from Old French reboter, from re- + boter to thrust, butt ³

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for rebuttable

rebut

c.1300, "to thrust back," from Old French reboter, rebuter "to thrust back," from re- "back" (see re-) + boter "to thrust, hit" (see butt (v.)). Legalese sense of "try to disprove, refute by evidence or argument" is from 1817. Related: Rebutted; rebutting.