impugn
[im-pyoon]
- 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
Synonyms
See more synonyms for impugn on Thesaurus.com1. attack, asperse, malign, criticize, censure.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for impugnable
Historical Examples
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 BorgiaRaphael Sabatini
impugn
- (tr) to challenge or attack as false; assail; criticize
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Word Origin
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
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for impugnable
impugn
v.
"attack by argument," late 14c., from Old French impugner, from Latin impugnare "to assault, to attack," from assimilated form of in- "into, in, on, upon" (see in- (2)) + pugnare "to fight" (see pugnacious). Related: Impugned; impugning.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper