An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
English-French-Persian

To prove to be false or erroneous, as an opinion or charge. According to Karl Popper (1902-1994), a theory that cannot be refuted is not scientific. Related words: → falsify, → reject, → repulse, → recoil; → refuse.

From L. refutare "drive back, repress, repel," from → re- "back" + futare "to beat," probably from PIE base *bhau- "to strike down"

Vâkutidan, from vâ- "back," → re-, + kutidan (Kurd., Semnani, Sorxeyi, etc.) "to beat, strike," variant of kubidan, kuftan "to pound, strike, beat;" Mid.Pers. kôftan, kôstan "to beat, strike."