The word 辩驳 is formed by combining the character 辩, meaning to debate, which is itself composed of 言 (speech) flanked by two 辛 components, suggesting laborious verbal distinction, with the character 驳, meaning to refute, composed of 马 (horse) and 交 (cross), originally denoting mixed colors and by extension contradiction. Together, they create a compound word meaning to dispute or refute through argument.