From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishrefutere‧fute /rɪˈfjuːt/ verb [transitive] formal 1 PROVEto prove that a statement or idea is not correct SYN rebutrefute a hypothesis/a claim/an idea etc an attempt to refute Darwin’s theories2 UNFAIRto say that a statement is wrong or unfair SYN denyrefute an allegation/a suggestion etc She refuted any allegations of malpractice. —refutable adjective —refutation /ˌrefjʊˈteɪʃən/ noun [countable, uncountable]→ See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
refute• He learned how to boom out facts and figures to the city council members that they were unable to refute.• Something which I can positively refute!• The accusation has been wholly refuted by an in-depth analysis of the evidence.• The technique can also be used to confirm or refute current theories.• I knew that he was lying but I had no evidence with which to refute his story.• Several scientists have attempted to refute Moore's theories.• There was really very little I could do actively to refute the charge of selfishness.• These data do not refute the law of demand.• This time, Gold did not refute the point.• It is hard to refute these biblical arguments.• There is no reason to refute this argument: undoubtedly this is a sentiment seemingly shared by many Shetlanders.Origin refute (1500-1600) Latin refutare, from -futare “to hit” 