refute
v.v. to prove that a statement or theory is wrong or false. You use this when you have evidence to show someone is not telling the truth.
v. to prove a statement, claim, or theory to be false or incorrect through evidence or logical argument. Often implies a definitive or conclusive demonstration of error.
The lawyer used new evidence to refute the witness's story.
The scientist published a paper to refute the previous theory about how the virus spreads.
While the initial data seemed to support the hypothesis, subsequent longitudinal studies have largely served to refute the claim that the two variables are linked.
From Latin refūtō (“refute, repudiate”).
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object representing the claim or person being challenged.
He refuted that he was there.He denied that he was there.Refute requires proving something is false with evidence; if someone simply says something isn't true, use 'deny'.