rebuttal

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a statement or argument that contradicts or disproves a claim

   Her rebuttal answered each criticism with evidence from the report.

2. 2
   noun

   the act of refuting an argument by presenting contrary reasoning or evidence

   The scientist offered a careful rebuttal of the misleading interpretation.

3. 3
   noun

   in law, a reply by a defendant or prosecution to evidence or arguments presented by the other side

   The prosecution called one final witness during rebuttal.

From rebut + -al. Rebut came through Anglo-French reboter, "to thrust back," from re- ("back") and boter ("to strike or push"). A rebuttal therefore figuratively pushes an opposing claim back by answering it with contrary argument or evidence.

External links

• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary
• Google Images