Contradict

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /kÉ’ntɹəˈdɪkt/

Origin

From the pariciple stem of Latin contrādīcō ("I speak against") (originally two words).

Full definition of contradict

Verb

1. (obsolete) To speak against; to forbid.
• 1621, Robert Burton, The Anatomy of Melancholy, New York 2001, p. 203:... magic hath been publically professed in former times, in Salamanca, Cracovia, and other places, though after censured by several universities, and now generally contradicted, though practised by some still ....
2. To deny the truth of (a statement or statements).His testimony contradicts hers.
3. To make a statement denying the truth of the statement(s) made by (a person).Everything he says contradicts me.
• ShakespeareDear Duff, I prithee, contradict thyself,
  And say it is not so.
• WordsworthThe future cannot contradict the past.
4. To be contrary to; to oppose; to resist.
• HookerNo truth can contradict another truth.
• ShakespeareA greater power than we can contradict
  Hath thwarted our intents.

Synonyms

• withsay
• withspeak
• disconfirm
• deny
• dispute
• question
• gainsay
• refute
• controvert
• dispute