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

Derived Forms

• imˈpugner, noun
• imˈpugnable, adjective
• impugnation, noun

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of impugn¹

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

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.

From Washington Post

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• assail
• contravene
• tar