refuted
v.v. to prove that a statement, theory, or person is wrong by using evidence and facts.
v. to prove a statement or theory to be wrong or false; to disprove. Often implies a formal or logical demonstration of error.
The scientist refuted the old theory with new data.
The lawyer successfully refuted the witness's testimony by presenting video evidence that contradicted her story.
While the initial findings suggested a correlation, subsequent peer-reviewed studies have refuted the hypothesis, showing that the observed effects were merely statistical noise.
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, typically a claim, theory, or argument.
He refuted that he was guiltyHe denied that he was guiltyLearners often use 'refute' as a synonym for 'deny'. To refute something, you must provide evidence that proves it is false, whereas to deny is simply to say it is not true.