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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rebut verb answer, argue, argue against, conflict, contradict, contravene, controvert, countercharge, deny, disagree, disprove, dispute, explode, join issue, negate, negative, oppose, parry, prove false, rebuff, redarguere, refute, rejoin, repellere, reply, repudiate, respond, retaliate, retort, surrebut, surrejoin, take a stand against
Associated concepts: rebut a presumption, rebut an argument

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See also: answer, contradict, contravene, controvert, countercharge, countervail, debate, disaccord, disaffirm, disallow, disown, disprove, dispute, gainsay, impugn, negate, oppose, refute, reply, respond, retaliate, retort, return

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TO REBUT. To contradict; to do away as, every homicide is presumed to be murder, unless the contrary appears from evidence which proves the death; and this presumption it lies on the defendant to rebut by showing that it was justifiable or excusable. Allis. Prin. 48.