confute Hear it!

confute Definition

con·fute (kən fyo̵̅o̅t′)

transitive verb -·fut′ed, -·fut′·ing

  1. to prove (a person, statement, etc.) to be in error or false; overcome by argument or proof
  2. Obsolete to make useless

Etymology: L confutare < com-, intens. + *futare < IE base *bhau-t, *bhu-t, to strike, beat

confute Synonyms

confute

v.

disprove, defeat, overwhelm, overcome, silence, expose, bring to naught, rebut, controvert, parry, negate, vanquish, demolish, invalidate, answer conclusively, overturn, prove to be wrong, set aside, overcome in debate, upset, subvert, quash, oppugn, contradict, argue down, get the better of, clinch an argument, discredit, show up*, shut up*, not leave a leg to stand on*, cut the ground from under one's feet*, put down*; see also deny, oppose 1, refute.

Antonyms prove, verify*, confirm. See syn. study at disprove.disprove.

confute Usage Examples

Object

  • author: It is worth no man's while to examine and confute foreign authors, whose errors are their ignorance.
confute Quotes

Ignorance of the law excuses no man; not that all men know the law, but because 'tis an excuse every man will plead, and no man can tell how to confute him.

—Selden,John