impugn
[ im-pyoon ]
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.
Origin of impugn
11325–75; 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 for impugn
Other words from impugn
- 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
Words that may be confused with impugn
- impugn , impute
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
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
Origin of impugn
1C14: from Old French impugner, from Latin impugnāre to fight against, attack, from im- + pugnāre to fight
Derived forms of impugn
- impugnable, adjective
- impugnation (ˌɪmpʌɡˈneɪʃən) or impugnment, noun
- impugner, noun
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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