impugn
to challenge as false (another's statements, motives, etc.); cast doubt upon.
Archaic. to assail (a person) by words or arguments; vilify.
Obsolete. to attack (a person) physically.
Origin of impugn
1Other words for impugn
Other words from impugn
- im·pugn·a·ble, adjective
- im·pugn·a·bil·i·ty, noun
- im·pugn·er, noun
- im·pugn·ment, noun
- un·im·pugn·a·ble, adjective
- un·im·pugned, adjective
Words that may be confused with impugn
- impugn , impute
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use impugn in a sentence
Cruz, on the defensive, replied that he hadn't "impugned [Hagel's] character."
Armed Services Committee Votes Along Party Lines To Pass Hagel Nomination To Full Senate | Ali Gharib | February 12, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTFluke said her fellow students at Georgetown were “legitimately angry that the comments impugned their character as well as mine.”
The judge did not enter into this spirit of foolery, resenting, indeed, that a sound medicinal compound should be thus impugned.
The Wrong Twin | Harry Leon WilsonThey would not yield, however; they regarded my reasons as childish sentimentality, and half impugned my courage besides.
That Boy Of Norcott's | Charles James LeverIf the record were received generally by any nation, the onus probandi would in that case lie with those who impugned it.
Thoughts on a Revelation | Samuel John Jerram
For, as it is the eternal truth of the eternal God, so shall it once prevail, howsoever for a time it be impugned.
The old man was most indignant that his honor should be impugned in such manner.
The Exiles of Florida | Joshua R. Giddings
British Dictionary definitions for impugn
/ (ɪmˈpjuːn) /
(tr) to challenge or attack as false; assail; criticize
Origin of impugn
1Derived forms of impugn
- impugnable, adjective
- impugnation (ˌɪmpʌɡˈneɪʃən) or impugnment, noun
- impugner, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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