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View synonyms for impugn

impugn

[ im-pyoon ]

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.


impugn

/ ˌɪmpʌɡˈneɪʃən; ɪmˈpjuːn /

verb

  1. tr to challenge or attack as false; assail; criticize
“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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Derived Forms

  • imˈpugner, noun
  • imˈpugnable, adjective
  • impugnation, noun
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Other Words From

  • 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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of impugn1

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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of impugn1

C14: from Old French impugner, from Latin impugnāre to fight against, attack, from im- + pugnāre to fight
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Example Sentences

It’s more work for you, of course, but the goal is to ensure your behavior is above reproach while giving Wanda space to prove —or impugn — herself.

“I think the jury will see it as a desperate attempt to try and impugn his character,” Slotnick says.

The Secret Service is personal to the president, and its infractions impugn that trust.

Defense lawyers will look for inconsistencies in the same records as they try to impugn her credibility further.

Neeld admitted that he had no reason to impugn the Major's character.

To suppose them to have been otherwise would be to impugn the common sense of our ancestors.

I do not perceive that my associates impugn a single statement of fact contained in my note.

This practice is of such venerable antiquity, and so universal, that it would be vain to impugn it.

But without meaning to impugn his veracity, or to dispute the register, we may say that he has scarcely got anybody to believe it.

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impudicityimpuissant