v. re·but·ted, re·but·ting, re·buts v.tr. 1. To refute, especially by offering opposing evidence or arguments, as in a legal case: rebut an allegation. 2. To repel or reject: She rebutted his advances. v.intr. To present opposing evidence or arguments. [Middle English reboten, rebutte, to rebuke, repel, from Old French rebouter : re-, re- + bouter, to push (of Germanic origin; see bhau- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots).] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.