impugn

American  

[im-pyoon] / ɪmˈpyun /

verb (used with object)

1. to challenge as false (another's statements, motives, etc.); cast doubt upon.

   Synonyms:

   censure, criticize, malign, asperse, attack

2. Archaic. to assail (a person) by words or arguments; vilify.

3. Obsolete. to attack (a person) physically.

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impugn British  

/ ˌɪmpʌɡˈneɪʃən, ɪmˈpjuːn /

verb

1. (tr) to challenge or attack as false; assail; criticize

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Other Word Forms

• impugnability noun
• impugnable adjective
• impugnation noun
• impugner noun
• impugnment noun
• unimpugnable adjective
• unimpugned adjective

Etymology

Origin of impugn

1325–75; Middle English impugnen < Middle French impugner < Latin impugnāre to attack, equivalent to im- im- ¹ + pugnāre to fight, derivative of pugnus fist; pugnacious

Example Sentences

Ms. Nuzzi will not dignify efforts to impugn her character with any future response,” Nuzzi’s lawyer Ari Wilkenfeld said in a statement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

Stories like these are not told to impugn the professionalism and ethics of the American military.

From Slate • Jun. 10, 2025

That’s not to say that a cynic would be shocked if somebody donated to charity or helped a stranger, but they might suspect or impugn the person’s motives.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 2024

In cross-examination Tuesday, Trump lawyer Susan Necheles grilled Daniels about her memoir and her ire for Trump in a bid to impugn her credibility in front of jurors.

From Salon • May 8, 2024

The Chief Justice: Neither would I receive any evidence meant to impugn the correctness of our authorised version of the Scriptures.

From The Battle of The Press As Told in the Story of the Life of Richard Carlile By His Daughter, Theophila Carlile Campbell by Campbell, Theophila Carlile

Related Words

• assail
• contravene
• tar