re·fute \rə̇ˈfyüt, rēˈf-, usu -üd.+V\transitive verb (-ed/-ing/-s) Etymology: Latin refutare to check, drive back, refute, from re- + -futare to beat — more at beat : to overthrow by argument, evidence, or proof : prove to be false or erroneous : confute < refute arguments > < refute testimony > < refuted the charge of laziness by working hard > Synonyms:see disprove