Definition of rebuff

exculpate Definition: (verb) to free from blame or guilt. Petersons.com

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re·buff    (r-bf) KEY  

NOUN:

1. A blunt or abrupt repulse or refusal, as to an offer.
2. A check or an abrupt setback to progress or action.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
re·buffed , re·buff·ing , re·buffs

1. To reject bluntly, often disdainfully; snub. See Synonyms at refuse ¹.
2. To repel or drive back.

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ETYMOLOGY:
From obsolete French rebuffer, to reject, from Italian ribuffare, from ribuffo, reprimand : ri-, back (from Latin re-; see re- ) + buffo, gust, puff ( of imitative origin)

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