impugn
[im-pyoon]
- 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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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; see pugnacious
Synonyms
See more synonyms for impugn on Thesaurus.com1. attack, asperse, malign, criticize, censure.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for impugn
Contemporary Examples
“I think the jury will see it as a desperate attempt to try and impugn his character,” Slotnick says.
Defense lawyers will look for inconsistencies in the same records as they try to impugn her credibility further.
Historical Examples
If you do, he will have to swear to his words; and we are perfectly sure that no one will be found to impugn him.
TheaetetusPlato
But as you are about to stake your life on the issue, I cannot impugn your sincerity.
The Daltons, Volume I (of II)Charles James Lever
Neeld admitted that he had no reason to impugn the Major's character.
Tristram of BlentAnthony Hope
I will not impugn the 174intelligence of this jury by a review of the evidence in so plain a case.
The Hindered HandSutton E. Griggs
Not being able to impugn her beauty, they attacked her costume.
Notre-Dame de ParisVictor Hugo
impugn
- (tr) to challenge or attack as false; assail; criticize
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Word Origin
C14: from Old French impugner, from Latin impugnāre to fight against, attack, from im- + pugnāre to fight
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for impugn
v.
"attack by argument," late 14c., from Old French impugner, from Latin impugnare "to assault, to attack," from assimilated form of in- "into, in, on, upon" (see in- (2)) + pugnare "to fight" (see pugnacious). Related: Impugned; impugning.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper