impugn
[ im-pyoon ]
/ ɪmˈpyun /
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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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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
OTHER WORDS FROM impugn
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH impugn
impugn , imputeDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use impugn in a sentence
The only impugnable matter in the deed lies, as has been said, in the number of cardinals so created at a batch.
The Life of Cesare Borgia|Raphael Sabatini
British Dictionary definitions for impugn
impugn
/ (ɪmˈpjuːn) /
verb
(tr) to challenge or attack as false; assail; criticize
Derived forms of impugn
impugnable, adjectiveimpugnation (ˌɪmpʌɡˈneɪʃən) or impugnment, nounimpugner, nounWord 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
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