D defs.my
Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913

refute

/(rē̇*fūt")/ · re·fute · IPA /ɹɪˈfjut/
01 v. t. To disprove and overthrow by argument, evidence, or countervailing proof; to prove to be false or erroneous; to confute; as, to refute argu…
imp. & p. p. Refuted; p. pr. & vb. n. Refuting
  1. 1.
    To disprove and overthrow by argument, evidence, or countervailing proof; to prove to be false or erroneous; to confute; as, to refute arguments; to refute testimony; to refute opinions or theories; to refute a disputant.
    “There were so many witnesses in these two miracles that it is impossible to refute such multitudes.” Addison.
Syn. To confute; disprove. See Confute.