impugn
[ im-pyoon ]
/ ɪmˈpyun /
verb (used with object)
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.
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What does "scattergood" mean?
a person who acts as though he or she knows everything and who dismisses the opinions, comments, or suggestions of others.
a person who spends possessions or money extravagantly or wastefully; spendthrift.
a well-intentioned but naive and often ineffectual social or political reformer.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUTOrigin 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; see pugnacious
OTHER WORDS FROM impugn
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH impugn
impugn imputeWords nearby impugn
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for impugn
British Dictionary definitions for impugn
impugn
/ (ɪmˈpjuːn) /
verb
(tr) to challenge or attack as false; assail; criticize
Derived forms of impugn
impugnable, adjectiveimpugnation (ˌɪmpʌɡˈneɪʃən) or impugnment, nounimpugner, nounWord Origin for impugn
C14: from Old French impugner, from Latin impugnāre to fight against, attack, from im- + pugnāre to fight
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