impugn

American  

[im-pyoon] / ɪmˈpyun /

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.

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impugn British  

/ ˌɪmpʌɡˈneɪʃən, ɪmˈpjuːn /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

• impugnability noun
• impugnable adjective
• impugnation noun
• impugner noun
• impugnment noun
• unimpugnable adjective
• unimpugned adjective

Etymology

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; pugnacious

Example Sentences

Humphrey, the Court said a prisoner named Roy Heck couldn’t seek monetary damages for what he claimed was an unconstitutional manslaughter conviction, without first getting it overturned or impugned in some way.

From The Wall Street Journal

Just as in Pretti’s case, Noem and other senior administration officials justified the incident within hours of her death by impugning the victim’s motives without producing substantive evidence.

From Los Angeles Times

“I want to make a difference … They have to castigate, they have to impugn my motives. Because, if I’m right, what does that say about them?”

From Salon

"On merit too, it is held that impugned transactions cannot be classified as manipulative or fraudulent transactions or unfair trade practices," the order notes.

From BBC

"He impugned the integrity of the institutions at the heart of Scottish democracy," she writes, adding: "He was prepared to traumatise, time and again, the women at the centre of it all".

From BBC

Related Words

• assail
• contravene
• tar