mindmap root((反驳)) disprove implies the successful demonstration by any method of the falsity or invalidity of a claim or argument: the view that one can neither prove or disprove the existence of God. refute stresses a logical method of disproving and suggests adducing of evidence, bringing forward of witnesses or authorities, and close reasoning: ~d every piece of his argument. confute implies reducing an opponent to silence by an overwhelming refutation or by such methods as raillery, denunciation, or sarcasm: a triumphal flight that ~d all of the doubters. rebut suggests formality of method but not assurance of success in answering an opponent's argument, evidence, or testimony: give the opposing side time to ~. controvert stresses BOTH the denial of and the attempt to disprove what is put forward without necessarily implying success in refutation: a thesis that withstood every attempt to ~ it.