definitions

impugn

[ im-pyoon ]
/ ɪmˈpyun /
||
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR impugn ON THESAURUS.COM

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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RELATED WORDS

assail, contravene, tar, knock, deny, blast, traduce, contradict, question, traverse, cross, resist, attack, break, oppose, negative, smear, negate, trash, slam

Nearby words

imprudent, impsonite, impudence, impudent, impudicity, impugn, impuissant, impulse, impulse buying, impulse control disorder, impulse turbine

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

Related forms

Can be confused

impugn impute
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for impugn

British Dictionary definitions for impugn

impugn

/ (ɪmˈpjuːn) /

verb

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

Derived Forms

impugnable, adjectiveimpugnation (ˌɪmpʌɡˈneɪʃən) or impugnment, nounimpugner, noun

Word Origin for impugn

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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012