contradict

Verb

contradict (third-person singular simple present contradicts, present participle contradicting, simple past and past participle contradicted)

1. To deny the truth or validity of (a statement or statements).
   • His testimony contradicts hers.
   • […] the Ministers of Christ in this world, have no Power by that title, to Punish any man for not Beleeving, or for Contradicting what they say;1651, Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan, London: Andrew Crooke, Chapter 42 “Of Power Ecclesiasticall,” p. 270
2. To oppose (a person) by denying the truth or pertinence of a given statement.
   • Everything he says contradicts me.
   • Dear Duff, I prithee, contradict thyself,
     And say it is not so.c. 1606 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Macbeth”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount...
3. To be contrary to (something).
   • Now no truth can contradict any truth; desirous therefore they were to be taught, how bothe might stand together, that which they knew could not be false, because Christ spake it; and this which to them did seeme true, onely because the Scribes had said it.[1594], Richard Hooker, edited by J[ohn] S[penser], Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical Politie, […], 3rd edition, London: […] Will[iam] Stansby [for Matthew Lownes], published 1611, →OCLC, book III, page...
   • […] as he is going to a house dedicated to joy and mirth, it was fit he should divest himself of whatever was likely to contradict that intention, or be inconsistent with it.1760, Laurence Sterne, The Sermons of Mr. Yorick, London: R. & J. Dodsley, Volume 1, Sermon 2, p. 32
4. (reflexive) To say things that conflict with each other.
   • The prime minister contradicted herself during her speech.
5. (obsolete) To give an order contrary to (another order or wish), oppose (something).
   • […] when was the hour
     I ever contradicted your desire,
     Or made it not mine too?1613 (date written), William Shakespeare, [John Fletcher], “The Famous History of the Life of King Henry the Eight”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio)...
   • Lady Sprightly. What had you to do to contradict my commands?
     Doll Subtilty. They were not fit to be obey’d, wherefore they were forbid.1662, Margaret Cavendish, The Matrimonial Trouble, Act II, Scene 21 in Playes written by the thrice noble, illustrious and excellent princess, the Lady Marchioness of Newcastle, London: John Martyn...
6. (obsolete) To give an order contrary to one given by (another person), oppose or resist (someone).
   • Beseemes it thee to contradict thy king? […]
     I will haue Gaueston, and you shall know,
     What danger tis to stand against your king.1594, Christopher Marlow[e], The Troublesome Raigne and Lamentable Death of Edward the Second, King of England: […], London: […] [Eliot’s Court Press] for Henry Bell, […], published 1622, →OCLC...
   • A greater power than we can contradict
     Hath thwarted our intents.c. 1591–1595 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Romeo and Ivliet”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and...
7. (obsolete) To speak against; to forbid.
   • […] magic hath been publicly 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 […]., New York 2001, p. 203