'rebuttal' originates from the Middle English word 'rebuten,' which came from the Old French 'rebouter,' meaning 'to push back.'

'rebouter' transformed into the Middle English word 'rebuten,' and eventually became the modern English word 'rebuttal.'

Initially, it meant 'to push back or repel,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a counterargument or contradiction.'